A hydrogen-bonded curdlan-chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol edible dual functional hydrogel bandage against MRSA promotes wound healing

Abstract

The most prevalent complication arising from skin injuries is bacterial infection, where pathogenic bacteria proliferate significantly at the wound site, leading to subsequent complications like septic shock and sepsis. Although antibiotics presently effectively manage wound infections caused by common bacteria, the escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains necessitates urgent novel approaches for addressing such infections. Here, we present CS9P1-RA, a dual functional hydrogel dressing, based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix crosslinked through hydrogen bonding. CS9P1-RA combines chitosan (CS), a food-derived antibacterial agent, with the natural compound rosmarinic acid (RA) to specifically target skin injuries caused by MRSA. Computational and molecular biology assays illustrate RA's ability to selectively inhibit the activity of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) serine/threonine phosphatase (Stp1), reducing the S. aureus pathogenicity. CS9P1-RA showcases exceptional antibacterial efficacy (MIC = 1 mg/mL) and demonstrates potency in reducing virulence (IC50 = 7.424 μM on Stp1). Notably, it effectively curbs bacterial growth and accelerates wound healing in the mice model, thereby fulfilling the practical requirements for clinical applications. Moreover, the mechanical properties of CS9P1-RA ensure user comfort during treatment. This work introduces a fresh design paradigm for dressing materials, offering a promising solution for treating skin injuries inflicted by antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.