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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
Multifunctional chitosan cryogel bandages via column-flow synthesis for simultaneous hemostasis and anti-biofilm
Qicheng Zhang1, Jian Zhang2, Zhurun Fang3
1The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, China; Division of Pure and Applied Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 22100, Lund, Sweden.
Abstract:
Bacterial infection and hemorrhage remain significant clinical challenges for chronic wounds, despite advancements in antimicrobial strategies and materials. Herein, 980 nm-laser-responsive photothermal conjugated polymers (CPs) are combined with chitosan-based cryogels (CP@Gel) to achieve rapid hemostasis and efficient anti-infectious performance. CP nanoparticles (CP NPs) were prepared by nanoprecipitation and immobilized into cryogels via a novel column-flow-through method, resulting in high nanoparticle loading capacity and enhanced photothermal effects. The chitosan-based cryogels demonstrated quick blood absorption and rapid hemostatic abilities. Under near-infrared (NIR) exposure, the photothermal effect of CP@Gel induced bacterial membrane disruption and cytoplasmic leakage, nearly eliminating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within 5 min. Moreover, CP@Gel under NIR laser irradiation effectively destroyed mature MRSA biofilms and affected related biofilm-formation genes. Meanwhile, CP@Gel/NIR promoted MRSA-induced wound healing by controlling inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and affecting the expression of genes associated with inflammation and immune response. This work provides a promising approach for chronic wound healing by addressing both hemorrhage and MRSA contamination.
