Thermosensitive in situ Hydrogel Based on Benzalkonium Chloride-Loaded Selenium-Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles...

Diabetic chronic wounds are characterized by persistent infection, excessive oxidative stress, impaired angiogenesis, and prolonged inflammation, resulting in delayed healing. Current wound dressings lack the ability to simultaneously regulate these pathological processes.

A multifunctional composite hydrogel was developed by incorporating benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-loaded selenium-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Se-MSNs) into a PF127 matrix. In this system, BAC provides antibacterial activity, Se-MSNs enable redox regulation and immunomodulation, and PF127 serves as a delivery platform for localized retention and sustained release. The physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, pro-angiogenic effects, and anti-inflammatory performance were evaluated in vitro, followed by therapeutic assessment in a diabetic mouse wound model.

The composite hydrogel exhibited effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species, promoted endothelial cell migration and tube formation, and modulated inflammatory cytokine expression in vitro. In vivo, the hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure, enhanced collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and alleviated excessive inflammation in diabetic wounds.

The therapeutic effects of the composite hydrogel are attributed to the restoration of redox homeostasis and the coordinated regulation of inflammation resolution and vascular regeneration. This study presents a multifunctional biomaterial strategy for improving the healing of diabetic chronic wounds.