Enzyme-Activated Multifunctional Hydrogel for Real-Time Monitoring and Photothermal Therapy of Infected Wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Bacterial infected wounds present significant health risks.
• Current wound management requires improved real-time infection monitoring and effective antibacterial strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional hydrogel for simultaneous real-time infection diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in wounds.
• To create a wound management solution that integrates advanced sensing and antibacterial capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a novel multifunctional hydrogel (CMCS-PA@Fe/MUG) via Schiff base formation.
• Incorporated 4-methylumbelliferyl β-d-glucuronide (MUG) for enzyme-based fluorescence detection of bacterial pathogens.
• Utilized PA@Fe for photothermal activity and chitosan for intrinsic antibacterial properties.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel visually detects bacterial presence via blue fluorescence (4-MU) from MUG hydrolysis.
• Demonstrated excellent tissue adhesion and self-healing properties for mechanical adaptability.
• Exhibited superior antibacterial performance through combined photothermal and chitosan effects.
• In vivo studies confirmed effective real-time infection diagnosis and accelerated wound healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed CMCS-PA@Fe/MUG hydrogel acts as an advanced sensor for real-time infected wound monitoring.
• This hydrogel offers an innovative approach to wound management by combining diagnosis and therapy.
• The study presents a promising strategy for addressing the challenges of infected wound care.