ROS-scavenging photothermal hydrogel to remodel the diabetic wound microenvironment and accelerate healing

Diabetic wound healing is significantly compromised by persistent bacterial infections, excessive oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. To overcome these barriers, we engineered a multifunctional hydrogel dressing (PM-BPH) endowed with adhesive, self-healing, photothermal antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The hydrogel matrix was fabricated via dynamic boronic ester bonds between 3-aminophenylboronic acid-modified oxidized sodium alginate (OSA-PBA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). To augment therapeutic efficacy, Pt-decorated MoS₂ NPs were incorporated into the network. This integration significantly enhanced the photothermal conversion efficiency. The optimized hydrogel (10% PVA) exhibited strong tissue adhesion, rapid self-healing, and suitable swelling characteristics. In vitro assays confirmed favorable cytocompatibility and effective near-infrared (NIR)-enhanced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and S. aureus. In a diabetic mouse model with S. aureus-infected wounds, the PM-BPH + NIR treatment significantly accelerated healing, reducing the residual wound area to 9.96% by Day 14. Histological analysis revealed that the treatment effectively remodeled the wound microenvironment by eliminating infection, suppressing inflammation, and promoting collagen deposition and angiogenesis. This study highlights PM-BPH as a versatile platform for the comprehensive management of chronic diabetic wounds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The management of infected diabetic wounds is complicated by persistent bacterial colonization and chronic inflammation. This study reports a multifunctional, self-healing hydrogel (PM-BPH) designed as an integrated therapeutic strategy. By combining a dynamic, adhesive hydrogel matrix with platinum-decorated MoS₂ nanosheets, the material provides near-infrared (NIR)-triggered photothermal antibacterial activity while scavenging reactive oxygen species to mitigate oxidative stress. In a diabetic mouse model, the hydrogel accelerated wound closure and supported tissue regeneration. This study demonstrates a multifunctional biomaterial approach for addressing the complex microenvironment of chronic wounds.