Photothermally sterilizable hydrogel patch for accelerated burn wound healing

The failure of burn wound healing is fundamentally driven by a confluence of factors, including excessive inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, infection-induced neutrophil infiltration, and, critically, delayed formation of granulation tissue. Developing an immunomodulatory hydrogel dressing is therefore essential for optimizing burn wound repair. To address this need, this study developed a P(H-G)/O/CuS composite injectable hydrogel dressing. This system incorporates inherent immune regulation and repair capabilities designed to accelerate wound closure. The hydrogel structure is built upon a copolymer backbone network, featuring a dynamic cross-linked mechanism mediated by Schiff base bonds, which encapsulate uniformly dispersed CuS nanoparticles (CuS NPs). These materials confer excellent mechanical strength, favorable wound conformability, and a moderate swelling capacity crucial for sustained moisture retention. Crucially, the P(H-G)/O/CuS system operates without requiring any exogenous active ingredients. The controlled release of copper-based components, combined with the dynamic cross-linking characteristics, modulates the inflammatory microenvironment of the burn injury. This dual mechanism suppresses hyperinflammation and drives macrophage polarization toward the reparative M2 phenotype, thereby initiating tissue restoration. Additionally, the inherent antibacterial activity of the released Cu²⁺ ions minimizes the potential for wound infection. Consequently, this composite represents a compelling new dressing alternative for clinical application in burn management.