Multifunctional Prussian-Blue-Based Hydrogel for Photothermal Antibacterial and Infected Wound Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Clinically infected wounds face challenges with prolonged inflammation and delayed healing.
• Developing advanced wound care materials is crucial for effective treatment and tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional hydrogel (PB@GC@OD) with self-healing, injectability, and photothermal antibacterial properties.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's efficacy in treating infected wounds and promoting tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of the PB@GC@OD hydrogel using oxidized dextran (OD) and glycol chitosan (GC) with dynamic Schiff-base crosslinking.
• Incorporation of Prussian Blue (PB) as a photothermal agent.
• Assessment of hydrogel properties (self-healing, injectability) and antibacterial efficacy against *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Escherichia coli*, and MRSA using near-infrared (NIR) irradiation.
• Evaluation of the hydrogel in a mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds.

Main Results:

• The PB@GC@OD hydrogel exhibited robust self-healing and injectability.
• NIR irradiation triggered efficient photothermal conversion, leading to hyperthermia and bacterial elimination.
• In vivo studies showed accelerated wound healing with maintained moisture and bacterial eradication.
• The hydrogel demonstrated good biocompatibility and long-term safety.

Conclusions:

• The PB@GC@OD hydrogel is a promising platform for synergistic therapy in infected wounds.
• It integrates photothermal sterilization, self-healing, injectability, hemostasis, and biocompatibility.
• This strategy holds potential for enhanced tissue regeneration in challenging wound conditions.