Injectable copper ion cross-linked TEMPO-oxidized bacterial cellulose nanofiber hydrogels and their synergistic...

Microbial infections in deep wounds pose a major threat to human health. The development of hydrogel with both antimicrobial and injectable properties can effectively fill wounds while inhibiting microbial infections. In this study, we reported a copper ion cross-linked TEMPO-oxidized bacterial cellulose (OBC) nanofiber hydrogel. The dynamic nature of -COOH-Cu²⁺coordination imparted physicochemical versatility to Cu/OBC hydrogels, including injectability and optimal shear-thinning rheology. Duo to the Cu²⁺- mediated Fenton-like effect and its synergistic effect with glutathione (GSH), the obtained hydrogels could generate hydroxyl radical (·OH) and exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Notably, the Cu/OBC/GHS hydrogel with low content of Cu²⁺ had good both hemolytic activity and cytocompatibility. Furthermore, the 2Cu/OBC/GSH₁₀ hydrogel supported widespread cell attachment, improved cellular morphology, and enhanced viability, highlighting their potential as a biomaterial for sustained cell culture applications. This study provides a simple strategy to develop the injectable, antimicrobial, and biocompatible hydrogel.