Double-network hydrogel dressing regulated by cationic polymer-grafted bacterial cellulose for promote rapid healing...

Chronic infected wounds present a prolonged and challenging healing process due to physiological imbalances, making them susceptible to secondary injuries from external mechanical contact. Conventional wound dressings lack antibacterial, strong adhesive, and on-demand detachable properties, resulting in suboptimal outcomes in treating such wounds. Here, we introduce a dual-network hydrogel consisting of SBMA (sulfobetaine methacrylate) and polyacrylamide, synthesized through a two-step thermal/light polymerization process. This hydrogel incorporates cationic modified bacterial cellulose (QBC) and quercetin to promote antibacterial and cell migration properties, designed specifically for treating full-thickness wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus. On the 15th day of the infected wound healing experiment, the wound healing rate reached 98.9 %. SBMA within the system can enhance adhesion and provide bacterial resistance. QBC intercalated within the system ensures the stability of the gel structure and strengthens bacterial resistance. Quercetin can modulate inflammatory responses and promote fibroblast proliferation. Thus, this study introduces a multifunctional biomaterial for managing chronic infected wounds, holding promise as a next-generation dressing in wound care.