A photothermal-responsive hydrogel with induced-inflammation regulating ability for synergistic infected wound...

Wound infection as a common complication of skin injury significantly impedes the healing process. To mitigate bacterial resistance, more efficient synergistic treatment strategies are urgently needed. Among them, photothermal therapy (PTT) has shown great potential in treating wound infections. And we focus on mild-temperature photothermal therapy (mPTT) for wound infection, aiming to achieve effective antibacterial outcomes while minimizing inflammatory side effects. Nevertheless, achieving efficient photothermal antibacterial effects under low temperature remains challenging. Recent studies indicate that photothermal materials can enhance the efficacy of specific antibiotics via heat shock, offering a promising approach for mild photothermal assisted antibacterial therapy. Based on this, we developed a photothermal-responsive hydrogel incorporating functional composite (GO-GA-GM). Gallic acid (GA) and gentamicin (GM) were modified onto graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet through π-π conjugation, enabling released drug leakage under physiological conditions. While GA and GM were released in a controlled manner under laser irradiation. The released GM exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity potentiated by mild photothermal-mediated heat shock, while the co-released GA effectively alleviated inflammation induced by both the photothermal process and bacterial debris for wound healing through self-regulating mechanism.