Antibacterial Potential of BM-MSCs Encapsulated in Collagen-Fibrin Hydrogel for P. anaerobius-Infected Full-Thickness...

This study investigates the antibacterial potential of murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) encapsulated in collagen-fibrin hydrogel scaffolds for treating Peptostreptococcus anaerobius-infected full-thickness wounds. P. anaerobius, a Gram-positive anaerobic coccus, is a significant contributor to wound infections and exhibits considerable antibiotic resistance. Given the rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, there is an urgent need for effective non-antibiotic treatments. One of the non-antibiotic treatments for drug-resistant bacteria is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). BM-MSCs were isolated, characterized using CD44, CD90, and CD105 markers, and encapsulated in collagen-fibrin scaffolds. Wound healing progression was monitored over 20 days, and bacterial load reduction was quantified using log CFU/g measurements. Our findings demonstrate a significant reduction in bacterial load (up to 123.33 log CFU/g) and complete wound closure by Day 20, underscoring the dual role of this approach in mitigating microbial infection and promoting wound healing. While scaffold stability and degradation were not directly measured, the observed therapeutic outcomes suggest that the hydrogel remained functional and biocompatible for a sufficient duration to support cell activity and tissue regeneration. These results highlight the innovative potential of BM-MSCs encapsulated in collagen-fibrin hydrogel scaffolds as an effective antibacterial therapy for P. anaerobius-infected wounds.