Molecularly anchored silver in folate supramolecular hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Antimicrobial Drug Delivery

Background:

• Infected wounds require advanced dressings for pathogen eradication and accelerated healing.
• Conventional silver-based wound dressings often exhibit cytotoxic burst release and impede tissue regeneration.
• There is a need for innovative wound care solutions that balance potent antimicrobial action with enhanced healing properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel supramolecular folate-silver (F-Ag) hydrogel for infected wound management.
• To investigate the sustained release of silver ions (Ag+) and folate from the hydrogel.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and wound healing acceleration capabilities of the F-Ag hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• A supramolecular F-Ag hydrogel was synthesized via aqueous coordination self-assembly.
• The dynamic immobilization of Ag+ within folate tetramer fibers was characterized.
• Antimicrobial activity and wound healing potential were assessed in vitro and in vivo models.

Main Results:

• The F-Ag hydrogel demonstrated sustained release of Ag+ over one week, providing immediate and prolonged bactericidal action.
• The hydrogel exhibited significantly faster epithelial closure compared to commercial wound dressings.
• Dynamic immobilization of Ag+ prevented cytotoxic burst release while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The developed F-Ag hydrogel represents a new paradigm for applying silver ions as a sustained, biocompatible bactericidal agent.
• This hydrogel offers spatiotemporal control over drug release, enhancing wound healing outcomes.
• The F-Ag hydrogel system provides an advanced solution for infected wound treatment, overcoming limitations of current therapies.