Non-conductive surfaces electro-fabrication of transparent high-performance layered chitosan-silver-montmorillonite...

Bacterial infections can lead to persistent inflammatory responses, disrupting the normal wound healing process. To effectively treat infected wounds, it is essential to develop materials with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties that can sustain the release of antimicrobial agents while maintaining good biocompatibility. Such materials can effectively control infection, promote wound healing, and reduce scar formation. The integration of high-transparency, mechanically robust, and layered chitosan-based hydrogel membranes allow for real-time monitoring of the wound healing process during visualized treatment, while simultaneously exerting antibacterial effects, minimizing infection risk, and accelerating healing. In this study, a composite hydrogel membrane with a layered internal structure was fabricated on a non-conductive surface, where montmorillonite (MMT) loaded with silver ions through ion exchange was blended with chitosan and electrofabricated into a transparent hydrogel via a one-step electrodeposition process. The resulting hydrogel membrane exhibits high transparency, a dense layered structure, and excellent mechanical properties (2.18 MPa). In addition, the hydrogel membrane with confirmed systemic biocompatibility demonstrates superior antibacterial, wound healing, and hemostatic performance in animal experiments. Combined with a rapid preparation time (30 min), this work highlights the significant potential of the layered chitosan‑silver-montmorillonite composite hydrogels for advanced wound dressing and regenerative medicine.