Pressure-sensitive and synergistically antibacterial liquid metal/polydopamine hydrogel for enhanced wound healing

Antimicrobial hydrogels demonstrate significant potential in tackling global challenges of microbial drug resistance and infection control across various applications. These materials leverage their unique structural design to effectively incorporate and deliver antibacterial agents, enabling targeted action against multidrug-resistant pathogens. However, traditional antimicrobial hydrogels are often constrained by mechanical limitations, limiting their adaptability in complex environments, such as pressure ulcer treatment requiring antimicrobial activity and pressure monitoring. To address these challenges, we developed a highly pressure-sensitive antibacterial hydrogel incorporating liquid metal-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles. The hydrogel utilizes the synergistic effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released from ZnO nanoparticles and Zn²⁺ to significantly inhibit bacterial growth, as evidenced by a 96.9 % wound healing rate in a rat model, demonstrating exceptional potential for accelerating wound repair. Furthermore, the hydrogel demonstrates outstanding pressure sensitivity (0.26 kPa^-1) and remarkable stretchability (1450 %), enabling it to monitor diverse human body movements and detect subtle mechanical stimuli. This capability empowers healthcare professionals to promptly identify and manage pressure ulcer conditions. Our findings present a promising strategy for the development of multifunctional antibacterial hydrogel electronics with superior mechanical properties and sensing capabilities.