Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
15:06
Synthesis of an Intein-mediated Artificial Protein Hydrogel
Published on: January 27, 2014
Gentamicin-Linked Supramolecular Hybrid Hydrogels: Mechanically Robust Cucurbit[7]Uril-Based Networks for Prolonged
A Aslihan Gokaltun1,2,3, Dinesh Shrestha1,2, Carolina Dos Anjos4
1Center For Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|July 25, 2026
Summary
New supramolecular hybrid hydrogels loaded with gentamicin sulfate offer sustained antimicrobial release for over 14 days, effectively combating burn wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Wound Healing
- Antimicrobial Drug Delivery
Background:
- Burn wound infections by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose significant clinical challenges.
- Conventional gentamicin sulfate hydrogels exhibit limitations like burst release and poor mechanical stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel gentamicin sulfate-loaded supramolecular hybrid hydrogels (GEN-SHHs) for enhanced infection-resistant wound dressings.
- To investigate the dual role of gentamicin sulfate as an antimicrobial agent and a dynamic crosslinker.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of clay-reinforced hydrogel networks utilizing cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) host-guest interactions.
- Incorporation of varying concentrations of gentamicin sulfate (0.11-0.72 w/v%) into the hydrogel matrix.
- Assessment of gelation time, mechanical properties (elastic modulus), drug release kinetics, antimicrobial efficacy, and cytocompatibility.
Main Results:
- The GEN-SHHs demonstrated rapid gelation (<5 s) and exceptional elastic modulus (up to ~270 kPa).
- Sustained release of gentamicin sulfate for 14 days was achieved, maintaining concentrations above minimum inhibitory and bactericidal thresholds.
- Complete eradication (>99.999%) of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was observed at GEN loadings ≥0.44 w/v%, with persistent inhibition zones over two weeks.
- High cytocompatibility (>94% viability) with human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes was maintained.
Conclusions:
- The developed GEN-SHHs exhibit superior mechanical properties and sustained antimicrobial release, addressing limitations of conventional hydrogels.
- These advanced hydrogels show significant potential for effective treatment of burn wound infections.
- The dual functionality of gentamicin sulfate as both an antimicrobial and a crosslinker in this system offers a promising strategy for infection-resistant wound dressings.
