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Bacterial biosurfactant-reinforced chitooligosaccharide/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels accelerate methicillin-resistant

Geum-Jae Jeong1,2,3, Dong-Joo Park2,4, Ju-Hong Kang1

  • 1Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|March 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A novel hydrogel made from biosurfactant, chitooligosaccharide, and polyvinyl alcohol effectively treats MRSA wound infections. This natural antibacterial agent promotes wound healing by enhancing cell activity and reducing bacterial load.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Wound Healing

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a significant public health challenge due to antibiotic resistance.
  • Novel antibacterial agents from natural sources are crucial for combating resistant infections.
  • Biosurfactants offer potential as natural antimicrobial compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a natural antibacterial hydrogel for treating MRSA-infected wounds.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of a chitooligosaccharide/polyvinyl alcohol/biosurfactant (COS/PVA/BS) hydrogel in promoting wound healing.
  • To investigate the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-virulence properties of the hydrogel against MRSA.

Main Methods:

  • Purification of biosurfactant (BS) from Bacillus rugosus HH2.
  • Fabrication of COS/PVA/BS hydrogel using the freeze-thaw method.
  • In vitro assessment of hydrogel biocompatibility, cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix deposition.
  • In vitro evaluation of antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-virulence activities against MRSA.
  • In vivo study using a murine model of MRSA-induced wound infection.

Main Results:

  • The COS/PVA/BS hydrogel exhibited excellent mechanical strength, biological activity, and biocompatibility.
  • In vitro studies showed enhanced fibroblast, keratinocyte, and endothelial cell functions.
  • The hydrogel demonstrated significant bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against MRSA, alongside potent antibiofilm and anti-virulence activities.
  • In vivo, the hydrogel accelerated wound healing, reduced MRSA burden, promoted neovascularization, and modulated macrophage responses.

Conclusions:

  • The COS/PVA/BS hydrogel is a promising therapeutic strategy for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and wound repair.
  • The hydrogel's efficacy stems from its ability to enhance cellular functions, exhibit antimicrobial properties, and modulate the host response.
  • This approach utilizes readily available materials and a simple fabrication process for high-yield production of natural antibacterial agents.
Keywords:
Bacterial infectionBiosurfactantHydrogelMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusVirulence factorWound healing

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