Composite cellulose-PEDOT:PSS conducting hydrogels destroy bacterial Cell wall structure for prevention of wound...

Wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) represent a significant healthcare challenge. The interaction between the bacterial cell membrane and functional groups of conductive materials induces deformation or rupture of the bacteria, thereby achieving an antibacterial effect. Conductive hydrogels mimic this phenomenon through localized current distribution, offering a promising therapeutic strategy. However, conventional conductive materials like PEDOT:PSS often suffer from phase separation in hydrogels, limiting their applications. To address these limitations, this study engineers a three-dimensional bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofiber template that utilizes hydroxy-mediated hydrogen bonding to adsorb and align PEDOT:PSS within the hydrogel matrix, forming continuous conductive pathways. The composite consists of a conductive moiety made of BC/PEDOT:PSS, which is incorporated into a hydrogel composed of polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, and tannic acid. The resulting material achieves a conductivity of 11.1 S/cm and a tensile strain of 605.8 %, significantly surpassing existing benchmarks. The incorporation of BC greatly enhances the hydrogel's mechanical properties and conductivity, making it a promising candidate for wound healing applications.