Enhanced properties of nanocomposite hydrogels incorporating superoxide dismutase-stabilized selenium nanoparticles...

In this study, a novel nanocomposite hydrogel was successfully developed, incorporating selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as a functional enhancer and rosin-modified cellulose nanocrystals (R@CNC) as the structural backbone. The hydrogel was formed via acrylamide crosslinking to construct a three-dimensional network. To improve the dispersibility and bioactivity of SeNPs, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was employed to regulate nanoparticle synthesis, resulting in uniformly sized and well-dispersed SeNPs. The resulting composite hydrogel exhibited excellent formability along with enhanced mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant capacity. The findings confirm the synergistic reinforcing effect of SeNPs within the hydrogel matrix. Based on the demonstrated improvements in antibacterial performance, antioxidant capacity, mechanical strength, and electrical conductivity, this nanocomposite hydrogel shows promise for antibacterial applications and provides a foundation for further exploration in other functional fields.