NIR-Triggered 3D-Bioprinted Hydrogels for Antibacterial Skin Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat.
• Advanced wound healing strategies are needed to combat infections and promote tissue regeneration.
• Hydrogels offer promising platforms for drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop NIR-triggered hydrogels for in vivo 3D bioprinting.
• To investigate the combined photodynamic and photothermal therapeutic effects of these hydrogels.
• To evaluate the potential of these hydrogels in promoting skin regeneration and overcoming antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) into poly(acrylic acid-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (AA-NVP) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogels.
• Utilizing NIR light for hydrogen-bonding condensation and hydrogel fabrication.
• 3D bioprinting of hydrogels in vivo.
• Assessing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, photothermal effects (PTE), and antibacterial efficacy.
• Evaluating skin regeneration in vivo.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of NIR-triggered hydrogels via UCNPs.
• Demonstrated in vivo 3D bioprinting capability of the developed hydrogels acting as bio-ink.
• Hydrogels exhibited potent bactericidal effects through combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal effects (PTE).
• Significant promotion of skin regeneration from inner to outer layers was observed.

Conclusions:

• The developed UCNPs-incorporated hydrogels provide a novel platform for NIR-triggered in vivo 3D bioprinting.
• The synergistic antibacterial therapy via PDT and PTE effectively circumvents antibiotic resistance.
• These advanced hydrogels hold significant potential for promoting skin regeneration and treating infections.