Carbon dots loaded polycarbonate thermosensitive hydrogel: An innovative strategy for promoting infected wound healing

Abstract

The healing process of bacterial infection wounds is a complex and chronic issue that poses a significant threat to human health. Thermosensitive antibacterial hydrogels, which transition from sol to gel at body temperature, have emerged as a promising option for wound dressing to accelerate healing and prevent infections. In this paper, we present a thermosensitive hydrogel (PTPH) made from (Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether)-b-(polytrimethylene carbonate)-b-(polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether) (mPEG12-PTMCn-mPEG12, PTP) triblock copolymers, showing gel transition properties at around 34 °C. Additionally, (spermidine)-(ortho-phenylenediamine) carbon dots (SCDs) were enclosed within PTPH (PTPH-SCDs) to provide antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PTPH-SCDs have good skin adhesion, excellent biocompatibility, and exceptional antimicrobial efficacy. In vivo studies on a Sprague-Dawley rat model infected with Staphylococcus aureus showed that PTPH-SCDs dressings enhance the healing of infected wounds by inhibiting bacterial proliferation, promoting collagen deposition, and stimulating angiogenesis. This research presents a novel approach for developing multifunctional wound dressing by incorporating carbon dots into aliphatic polycarbonate based temperature-responsive hydrogels for the treatment of infected wounds.