Plasma-activated thermosensitive Pluronic F-127 hydrogel as an antimicrobial dressing for infected wound healing

This study presents a thermosensitive Pluronic F127 (PF127) hydrogel system for sustained delivery of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Gas-liquid interfacial reactions during plasma treatment enable substantial aqueous RONS loading, yielding the plasma-activated PF127 hydrogel (PAH_PF127) with potent antibacterial efficacy. Complete inactivation of 1 × 10⁶ CFU Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was achieved at 37 °C, with bactericidal activity retained beyond 8 h at physiological temperature and 7 days at 4 °C. PAH_PF127 further demonstrated biocompatibility and regenerative capacity, promoting HaCaT migration and 89% in vitro wound closure within 48 h. In a Staphylococcus aureus-infected rat wound model, PAH_PF127 accelerated wound contraction, suppressed bacterial colonization, and enhanced re-epithelialization with collagen deposition. These findings establish PAH_PF127 as a stable, antimicrobial, and pro-regenerative material for wound care.