Bacteriophage Cocktail in Hydrogel Dressing Modulates Macrophage Responses and Induces Skin Cell Migration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing
• Immunology

Background:

• Bacteriophage mixtures are explored as biomaterials for tissue repair.
• This study investigates phage mixtures in wound dressings to modulate immune cells and skin cell migration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the hypothesis that incorporating a phage mixture into a wound dressing can modulate immune cell responses and skin cell migration.

Main Methods:

• Phages targeting E. coli, S. enterica, and P. aeruginosa were embedded or grafted onto alginate hydrogels.
• Macrophage- Raw 264.7 and fibroblast 3T3 co-cultures were used to assess cytokine release and fibroblast migration.

Main Results:

• Phages remained lytic after incorporation into dressings.
• Phage mixtures increased nitric oxide, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in resting macrophages but decreased them in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
• Fibroblast migration correlated positively with TNF-α and IL-10 release.

Conclusions:

• Phage-releasing dressings may combat bacterial infection and promote skin repair.
• Modulating immune responses with phage dressings could be beneficial for nonhealing wounds, such as those in diabetic patients.