Dual-Functional Photonic Crystal Hydrogel: Drug Release Monitoring and Immunomodulation for Chronic Infected Wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chronic bacterial-infected wounds present significant therapeutic challenges due to inflammation, biofilms, and antibiotic resistance.
• Current treatments lack dynamic monitoring of drug delivery and healing progress at the wound site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dual-functional photonic crystal hydrogel (PP/DG@MOF) for chronic infected wound management.
• To enable real-time, noninvasive monitoring of drug release and wound healing.
• To promote wound healing via immune modulation and tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel embedding antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory metal-organic frameworks (DG@MOF) and photonic crystals (PAM-PCH).
• Incorporation of ZIF-8 loaded with Salvianolic acid B and quaternary ammonium groups within the DG@MOF.
• Utilizing collagenase-responsive release and photonic crystal structural color changes for monitoring.

Main Results:

• The PP/DG@MOF hydrogel demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Controlled drug release was achieved in response to wound biomarkers.
• Tunable structural color changes in photonic crystals provided visual feedback on drug release and healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed photonic crystal hydrogel offers a promising strategy for managing chronic infected wounds.
• This innovative material enables simultaneous therapeutic action and real-time monitoring.
• It holds potential as a next-generation wound care solution for clinical translation.