A Semi-Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel with Excellent Photothermal Antibacterial and ROS Scavenging Activities for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Bacterial infections, particularly from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), pose significant challenges in wound healing.
• Prolonged infections can lead to severe physical complications, necessitating advanced therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a multifunctional macroporous hydrogel (M-XG gel) for treating MRSA-infected wounds.
• To evaluate the photothermal antibacterial and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capabilities of the M-XG gel.
• To assess the efficacy of the M-XG gel in promoting infected wound healing in an animal model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of M-XG gel by embedding Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) within a xanthan gum (XG) and dopamine (DA) network.
• Characterization of hydrogel properties, including pore size (200-500 μm), mechanical performance, and adhesion.
• Evaluation of photothermal conversion efficiency using near-infrared (NIR) light (48%).
• In vivo testing on a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected Sprague Dawley (SD) rat trauma model.

Main Results:

• The M-XG gel exhibited open macropores, enhanced adhesion, and improved mechanical properties.
• The hydrogel demonstrated efficient NIR photothermal conversion, facilitating antibacterial action.
• Wounds treated with M-XG gel showed complete closure within 14 days, with controlled bacterial infection.
• Accelerated angiogenesis and collagen deposition were observed, indicating enhanced wound healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed M-XG gel possesses superior photothermal antibacterial and ROS scavenging activities.
• The macroporous structure and photothermal properties synergistically promote infected wound healing.
• This photothermal hydrogel represents a promising biomaterial for infected wound tissue engineering applications.