Antibacterial Hydrogel Research Articles

An Intelligent Antibacterial Hydrogel Coating with Triple Antifouling–Killing–Releasing Functions for Medical Tubing

An Intelligent Antibacterial Hydrogel Coating with Triple Antifouling–Killing–Releasing Functions for Medical Tubing

Adhesive, Stretchable, and Photothermal Antibacterial Hydrogel Dressings for Wound Healing of Infected Skin Burn at Joints.

Dressings for infectious skin burn wounds at joints should have therapeutic functions as well as high tissue-adhesion, stretching, and self-healing properties. This makes it difficult for most hydrogel dressings to simultaneously meet the above-mentioned requirements. In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol), anhydrous sodium borax, epigallocatechin gallate, and copper chloride were used to prepare a hydrogel dressing (PBEC) for the infected burn wound healing at joints. The PBEC hydrogel can adhere to a variety of substrates, has a stretching capacity, and quickly self-healing after being damaged. Additionally, the PBEC hydrogel has the properties of reactive oxygen species scavenging, photothermal sterilization, hemostatic ability, and biocompatibility. Finally, the hydrogel could accelerate the process of wound healing in vivo, especially with the assistance of near-infrared radiation. Therefore, the hydrogel dressing shows great potential for clinical application in the healing of infected burn wounds at joints.

One-pot fabrication of sodium deoxycholate based supramolecular self-healing antibacterial double network hydrogels

Double network (DN) hydrogels have emerged as a significant technology for enhancement of mechanical strength of weak supramolecular gels. In the present study, we report the one-pot route for design of a low molecular weight gelator based DN hydrogel wherein sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) forms the primary network entangled with agar matrix. Various compositions of the reported agar-NaDC hydrogels were examined through FTIR, sol-gel transition temperature (Tsg), XRD, circular dichroism (CD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hydrophobicity probe studies, Zeta potential studies and rheology measurements. Analysis of all studies together reveal that 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel is the optimum composition that exhibits dense networking with primarily β-sheet like structure, highest mechanical strength as well as self-healing characteristics with reversed optical activity and highest Tsg. Antibacterial activity studied using inhibition zone method suggests that 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC gel demonstrates significant bactericidal effect unlike the pure gel with an inhibition zone of ∼25 mm against E.coli after 24 h and ∼32 mm after 48 h incubation. The antibacterial activity was unique for this composition of the DN hydrogel which is attributed to its reversal in optical activity exhibiting positive cotton effect resulting in stronger interaction with the bacterial cell wall. Additionally, nearly 2 times reduced water absorption capacity of the 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel compared to pure NaDC hydrogel ensures the retention of its mechanical strength as well as other properties in high moisture containing environment. Hence, the 1 mg/ml agar-NaDC DN hydrogel holds appreciable potential as a novel strong supramolecular self-healing antibacterial hydrogel with sustained release characteristics primarily important for biomedical applications.

Antibacterial carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel loaded with antioxidant cascade enzymatic system for immunoregulating the diabetic wound microenvironment

Diabetic wound healing faces several complex challenges, such as hypoxia, oxidative stress, and bacterial infections, which severely inhibit the wound-healing process. Herein, a quaternary ammonium salt-crosslinked carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel (TPC) with excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties was developed to immunoregulate the diabetic wound microenvironment. The TPC hydrogel was prepared by first mixing carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and protocatechualdehyde (PA), followed by the addition of a quaternary ammonium cross-linker (TSPBA) and a superoxide dismutase (SOD)–catalase (CAT) cascade system. The immobilized SOD and CAT retained their activity, continuously converting endogenous ·O2− and H2O2 to O2 and H2O. PA also provided the TPC hydrogel excellent oxygen and nitrogen radical scavenging capacity. The quaternary ammonium groups in TSPBA significantly enhanced the inherent antibacterial ability of CMCS-based hydrogels. In diabetic wound-healing experiments, this porous and adhesive TPC hydrogel effectively closed wounds and regenerated skin tissue, resulting in shorter wound edges, thicker granulation, and higher collagen deposition levels compared with other groups. The TPC hydrogel also promoted macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype, accelerating wound healing by upregulating IL-10 expression, downregulating IL-6 expression, and enhancing angiogenesis. These results demonstrate the great potential of TPC hydrogel as a promising therapeutic dressing for treating diabetic wounds.

Antimicrobial peptide-based pH-responsive Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel artificial vascular grafts with excellent antimicrobial and hematologic compatibility

Thrombosis and infection are the primary challenges limiting the clinical application of small-diameter artificial blood vessels. Numerous studies have focused on improving the hemocompatibility of artificial vascular materials, addressing properties such as anticoagulant activity, antithrombogenicity, low hemolysis rates, and reduced platelet adhesion. However, there has been comparatively less attention given to the antibacterial properties of these materials. This study utilizes polyester braided tubes and PVA/PAAm hydrogel materials, combined with surface modification techniques, to develop a pH-responsive antibacterial hydrogel artificial blood vessel graft. The hydrogel surface was grafted with a polymer brush hierarchical structure, and antimicrobial peptide MLT was immobilized to confer antibacterial properties. Additionally, 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMMA) was covalently attached as a shielding group to achieve an environment-responsive strategy. The research demonstrates that this artificial blood vessel graft exhibits structural stability, excellent mechanical properties, and good cellular and hemocompatibility. Furthermore, it exhibits pH-responsive capabilities, triggering efficient antibacterial activity in low pH environments. The modified antibacterial hydrogel artificial blood vessel material shows low hemolysis rates, excellent anticoagulant properties, and reduced platelet adhesion. Therefore, the strategy of combining MLT with DMMA may effectively enhance the hemocompatibility and responsive antibacterial performance of artificial blood vessel materials.

Aqueous-phase synthesis of cationic hydrogel nanoparticles with antibacterial properties

Antibacterial hydrogel nanoparticles are expected to be used in many biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and the development of antibacterial materials. In this study, we developed a synthesis for hydrogel nanoparticles that are dispersible in liquid media and have antibacterial properties. The particles were synthesized by copolymerizing a hydrophilic monomer (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a cationic monomer containing a quaternary ammonium cation (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride), and a crosslinker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) in an aqueous solution with a cationic polymerization initiator (2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] dihydrochloride) to form a hydrogel. A hydrophobic monomer (methyl methacrylate) was then added and the polymerization was continued. The number average particle diameter by scanning electron microscopy was 122nm, and the hydrodynamic diameter by dynamic light scattering measurement in water was about 380nm, suggesting swelling of the particles by water. Furthermore, water was able to penetrate the solidified dry powder, confirming the hydrophilic properties of the particles. The zeta potential of the particles was about +40mV, and bovine serum albumin, which generally has a high adsorption to positively charged substances, was adsorbed in large amounts to the particle surface, indicating that the particles had sufficient cationicity. The particles maintained stable dispersions even in liquid media with high ionic strength and containing impurities, which is important for nanoparticles used in medical and hygiene applications. The antibacterial activity of the particles was evaluated by incubation with Klebsiella pneumoniae, a Gram-negative bacterium. Almost no K. pneumoniae remained present in the supernatant after incubation, demonstrating the antibacterial properties of the particles.

Rapidly in situ forming antibiotic-free injectable hydrogel wound dressing for eradicating drug-resistant bacterial infections in human skin organoids

The rising prevalence of global antibiotic resistance evokes the urgent requirement to explore the alternative antimicrobial candidates. It is of great significance to overcome these serious threats of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and difficult-to-heal cutaneous wounds to human health. Herein, we proposed a rapidly in situ forming innovative antibiotic-free hydrogel dressing with excellent biocompatibility, easy injectability, strong tissue adhesion and superior antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacteria. An octa-armed poly(ethylene glycol) amine (Octa-PEG-NH2) was quickly crosslinked with a green industrial microbicide tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC) to form an antibacterial hydrogel (OPTH) by simple mixing without any other initiators or crosslinkers. A significant broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy was demonstrated against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Significantly, benefiting from its flexible injectability and reliable tissue adhesion, the excellent antibacterial performances were further evidenced by employing human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived skin organoids in a 3D culture system and rat animal wound models in vivo with MRSA infection, thus allowing for reepithelization promotion and wound healing. Collectively, the findings not only propose a facile gelatinization strategy for readily accessible antibiotic-free hydrogel dressings for effective MRSA therapy but also hold great clinical translation potential in obliterating multi-pathogenic bacteria and accelerating wound healing.

An Andrias davidianus derived composite hydrogel with enhanced antibacterial and bone repair properties for osteomyelitis treatment.

Effective antibacterial therapy while accelerating the repair of bone defects is crucial for the treatment of osteomyelitis. Inspired by the protective mechanism of Andrias davidianus, we constructed an antibacterial hydrogel scaffold with excellent rigidity and long-term slow-release activity. While retaining the toughness of the skin secretion of Andrias davidianus (SSAD), the rigidity of the hydrogel material is increased by incorporating hydroxyapatite to meet the demands of bone-defect-filling materials. It also exerted antibacterial effects via the slow-release of vancomycin from local osteomyelitis lesions. Notably, the hydrogel can also carry a high stable recombinant miR-214-3p inhibitor (MSA-anti214). By the delivery of nano vector polyvinylamine, the long-term slow-release of MSA-anti214 is achieved to promote bone repair, making this composite hydrogel a potential SSAD-based osteomyelitis alleviator (SOA). In vitro and vivo results verified that the SOA effectively eliminated Staphylococcus aureus and repaired bone defects, ultimately mitigating the progression of osteomyelitis. This composite hydrogel extends the economic application prospects of A. davidianus and has provided new insights for the treatment of osteomyelitis. The study also explored new insights for the bone filling materials of bone defection and other skeletal system diseases.

Dual-Responsive Antibacterial Hydrogel Patch for Chronic-Infected Wound Healing.

Bacterial infections in chronic wounds, such as bedsores and diabetic ulcers, present significant healthcare challenges. Excessive antibiotic use leads to drug resistance and lacks precision for targeted wound treatment. Our study introduces an innovative solution: a near-infrared (NIR) and pH dual-responsive hydrogel patch incorporating regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) and molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) nanoparticles (NPs), offering enhanced mechanical properties, precise drug release, and superior antibacterial efficacy. The dual-responsive hydrogel patch allows for precise control over antibiotic release triggered by NIR light and pH fluctuations, enabling tailored treatment for infected wounds. First, the pH-responsive characteristic matches the alkaline environment of the infected wound, ensuring on-demand antibiotic release. Second, NIR exposure accelerates antibiotic release, enhancing wound healing and providing additional antibacterial effects. Additionally, the patch further blocks bacterial infection, promotes wound repair, and degrades in sync with the healing process, further bolstering the efficacy against wound infections.

On-demand imidazolidinyl urea-based tissue-like, self-healable, and antibacterial hydrogels for infectious wound care

Bacterial wound infections are a growing challenge in healthcare, posing severe risks like systemic infection, organ failure, and sepsis, with projections predicting over 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Antibacterial hydrogels, with adaptable extracellular matrix-like features, are emerging as promising solutions for treating infectious wounds. However, the antibacterial properties of most of these hydrogels are largely attributed to extrinsic agents, and their mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Herein we introduce for the first time, modified imidazolidinyl urea (IU) as the polymeric backbone for developing tissue-like antibacterial hydrogels. As-designed hydrogels behave tissue-like mechanical features, outstanding antifreeze behavior, and rapid self-healing capabilities. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculation were employed to well-understand the extent of H-bonding and metal-ligand coordination to finetune hydrogels’ properties. In vitro studies suggest good biocompatibility of hydrogels against mouse fibroblasts & human skin, lung, and red blood cells, with potential wound healing capacity. Additionally, the hydrogels exhibit good 3D printability and remarkable antibacterial activity, attributed to concentration dependent ROS generation, oxidative stress induction, and subsequent disruption of bacterial membrane. On top of that, in vitro biofilm studies confirmed that developed hydrogels are effective in preventing biofilm formation. Therefore, these tissue-mimetic hydrogels present a promising and effective platform for accelerating wound healing while simultaneously controlling bacterial infections, offering hope for the future of wound care.

Semi-Interpenetrating Hydrogel with Long-Term Intrinsic Antibacterial Properties Promotes Healing of Infected Wounds In Vivo.

Bacterial infections significantly deteriorate the process of wound healing. The wound dressings loaded with antimicrobials are widely used to reduce bacterial infections. However, release-based sterilization may increase the risk of drug resistance of bacteria and complicate translation. Thus, the development of long-term intrinsic antibacterial wound dressings is highly desirable. In this study, an intrinsic antibacterial hydrogel (PVA/PPG-HBPL) consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PPG), and hyperbranched poly-l-lysine (HBPL) was designed and fabricated. The mechanical properties of the PVA/PPG-HBPL hydrogel were enhanced by hydrogen bonding and semi-interpenetrating networks. It also possessed a favorable ability to absorb the wound exudates. The release of antibacterial HBPL was significantly decreased by the methods of cyclic freeze-thawing and covalent cross-linking during hydrogel fabrication, enabling the PVA/PPG-HBPL hydrogel with intrinsic and long-term antibacterial performance. The PVA/PPG-HBPL hydrogel dressing killed 99.9% of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cultured on its surface without observable cytotoxicity in vitro. It observably shortened the healing process by 2 orders of magnitude of MRSA colonies compared with the control in the MRSA-infected full-thickness skin wound of rats in vivo even after being soaked in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 21 days (PBS was changed every 3 days). The antibacterial hydrogels could kill wound bacteria in a timely manner, significantly reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, and promote neovascularization and collagen deposition.

Antibacterial and antioxidant supramolecular nanocomposite hydrogel dressings with angiogenesis and photo-thermal effect for multidrug‐resistant bacterial infected wound healing

Antioxidant, antibacterial and removable supramolecular nanocomposite hydrogel dressings with self-healing and tissue adhesiveness is highly anticipated for bacterial infected skin wound healing. A series of supramolecular nanocomposite hydrogels via quadruple hydrogen bond and coordination bonds (catechol-Cu) was developed based on ureidopyrimidinone-modified poly(glycerol sebacate)–co-poly(ethylene glycol)-g-catechol (PEGSDU) and mesoporous copper sulfide nanoparticle (CuS NPs) as antioxidative, antibacterial, removable and tissue-adhesive dressing to treat the MRSA-infected wound. The hydrogels exhibited good self-healing, free radical scavenging, photothermal sterilization performance, adhesiveness, and temperature-sensitive removability. In addition, the Cu2+ was able to be slowly released from the hydrogel, which can promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. Hydrogels containing CuS NPs showed better wound repair efficiency than commercial TegadermTM films and hydrogels without CuS NPs in MRSA-infected skin wound, which was attributed to the good antibacterial property, improved collagen deposition, reduced inflammatory response, and improved new vessels formation, thereby significantly promoting the repair of wounds. In summary, this antioxidative and antibacterial supramolecular nanocomposite hydrogel dressing provide a new type of multi-functional dressing for the treatment of infected skin wounds.

Natural polysaccharide hydrogel with bioadhesion characters to synergistically enhance berberine's antibacterial effect by regulating the PTS system of Staphylococcus aureus

The global spread of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) not only causes significant economic losses but also poses a serious threat to public health. Consequently, there is an urgent need for multidimensional strategies to develop antimicrobial dressings to combat bacterial infections. In response, we have developed a plant polysaccharide antibacterial hydrogel formed through the self-assembly of edible Kudzu powder (KP) and the natural star molecule berberine (BBR). Rheological tests show that natural polysaccharide KP-BBR hydrogel (BBR@KP) exhibits excellent injectability and adhesion. And the degradation of the hydrogel exceeded 90 % within 3 days. The synergistic effect of these two ingredients enhances the antibacterial activity of BBR and can increase the MIC of BBR to 0.05 mM. Specifically, KP promotes the affinity of the Phosphoenolpyruvate Phosphotransferase System (PTS) of S. aureus, enabling KP, with its bioadhesive properties, to adhere to the bacterial surface and continuously release BBR. Subsequently, BBR effectively exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting the synthesis of histidine and isoleucine. Furthermore, the BBR@KP hydrogel exhibits negligible cytotoxicity and hemolytic toxicity, underscoring its favorable biosafety profile. This synergistic natural antibacterial hydrogel, formulated through a green and straightforward methodology, not only holds promise for broad clinical applications but also provides novel perspectives for the utilization and development of plant polysaccharides in the biomedical field.

Glucose-activated self-cascade antibacterial and pro-angiogenesis nanozyme-functionalized chitosan-arginine thermosensitive hydrogel for chronic diabetic wounds healing

Affected by persistent hyperglycemia, diabetic neuropathy, and vasculopathy hinder the progression of wound healing by exacerbating susceptibility to recurrent bacterial infection and impairing vascularization. In order to cater to the requirements of diabetic chronic wound healing at various stages, we designed an antibacterial and pro-angiogenic wound dressing with localized glucose-lowering capacity. In this study, we constructed a copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF) nanozyme and loaded with glucose oxidase (GOX) to prepare Cu-MOF/GOX, which was subsequently integrated with CS-Arg (chitosan modified by L-Arginine) and Pluronic (F127) to fabricate multifunctional Cu-MOF/GOX-Gel thermosensitive hydrogel. The GOX generated H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and gluconic acid by consuming high blood glucose at the wound site, thus initiating an efficient antibacterial self-cascade catalytic in the initial stages of wound healing. With the further catalysis of in situ generated H2O2, NO (nitric oxide) was gradually released from the hydrogel, facilitating angiogenesis and accumulation of collagen, thereby expediting subsequent phases of wound healing. Overall, the Cu-MOF/GOX-Gel exhibits a comprehensive ability to locally regulate blood glucose levels, while also synergistically promoting antibacterial activity and angiogenesis, that effectively chronic diabetic wounds healing.

Ag quantum dots-doped poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan hydrogel coatings to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections

The prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) significantly impacts the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with the use of indwelling urinary catheters. This study focused on developing an antibacterial double network hydrogel coating for latex urinary catheters, which incorporated Ag quantum dots (Ag QDs) in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan (CS) double network hydrogel matrix. The PVA-CS-Ag QDs, referred to as the PCA hydrogel coating exhibited excellent mechanical and physiochemical properties with controlled release of Ag QDs. The antibacterial properties of the PCA hydrogel-coated urinary catheters were studied against both gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC25922) and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, ATCC29213). The continuous release of CS oligomers and Ag QDs from the hydrogel coating contributed to the synergistic antibacterial and antiadhesion effects. Measurements of the Ag release rate revealed that even after 30 days, the concentration of Ag QDs from the PCA hydrogel-coated urinary catheters remained significantly higher than the effective antibacterial concentration of the total Ag (0.1 μg·L−1). These results indicated that the PCA hydrogel coating not only efficiently prevented bacteria attachment, but also exhibited long-term antibacterial activity, thereby inhibiting biofilm formation. Furthermore, the PCA hydrogel-coated urinary catheter demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Overall, this novel PCA hydrogel-coated urinary catheter, with its exceptional antibacterial properties, holds great potential in reducing the incidence of CAUTIs.

Self-assembled near-infrared-photothermal antibacterial Hericium erinaceus β-glucan/tannic acid/Fe (III) hydrogel for accelerating infected wound healing

Bacterial infection severely hinders skin wound healing, highlighting the critical application value of developing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory hydrogel dressings. In this work, we focused on β-glucan from Hericium erinaceus as the research object, and proposed a solvent-induced combined temperature manipulation technique to trigger multilevel self-assembly of β-glucan. Furthermore, we incorporated green synthesized near-infrared photosensitizer tannic acid/iron (III) complex into the system. A hydrogel with exceptional antibacterial properties, capable of responding to near-infrared photothermal stimuli while exhibiting remarkable stiffness and structural consistency, was successfully synthesized. Under near-infrared radiation, HEBG/TA/Fe hydrogels produced local hyperthermia and exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against bacteria-infected wounds. Moreover, the HEBG/TA/Fe hydrogel demonstrates its ability to regulate cytokines by effectively inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators TNF-α and IL-6, while simultaneously enhancing the expression of cell proliferation factor KI-67 and markers associated with angiogenesis such as CD31 and α-SMA. Notably, the results of tissue staining revealed that NIR + HEBG/TA/Fe5 hydrogel could effectively promoting granulation and vascularization, improving collagen deposition in infected wounds thereby accelerating the healing process. These findings indicate that mixed hydrogels exhibit potential as viable options for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Antibacterial properties enhancement tropical fruit waste biopolymer hydrogel loaded Nephelium Lappaceum leaf extract for sanitizing applications.

Current alcohol-based sanitizers present safety concerns and are not suitable for all applications. To address the issue, biopolymer hydrogels offer a safer, sustainable alternative due to biocompatibility, biodegradability, and customizable properties. In present study, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was prepared from Durian fruit rind, a tropical fruit byproduct rich in polysaccharides and combined with the synthetic polymer Carbopol to form a hydrogel with homogenization technique. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) leaf extract (RLE) as an antibacterial agent was analyzed for functional, morphological, antibacterial, and structural properties. Phytochemical analysis of RLE confirmed the presence of antibacterial compounds, while Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were 33.3μg/mL for Escherichia coli and 28.5μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy showed significant disruptions in bacterial cell walls. Hydrogel incorporated RLE was produced with improved properties confirmed through viscosity, FT-IR, Disc-diffusion assay and spread plate method analysis. In general, Rambutan leaf extract significantly improves the antibacterial properties of biopolymer-based hydrogels, hence offering a promising, eco-friendly alternative to alcohol-based sanitizers.

Gellan gum-based multifunctional hydrogel with enduring sterilization and ROS scavenging for infected wound healing

The progression of severe skin injury healing can be easily impeded by bacterial infections and the resultant overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the wound microenvironment. In this study, we developed a multifunctional antibacterial hydrogel by integrating gallium ion-tannic acid and polydopamine particles into gellan gum via a facile heat-cooling process. By harnessing the synergistic effects of polydopamine for short-term photothermal therapy and gallium ion for long-term chemotherapy, the hydrogel obtained shows outstanding antibacterial activities. Sustained release of gallium ion and tannic acid ensures a prolonged sterilization along with ROS-scavenging benefits. Moreover, this hydrogel demonstrates superior cytocompatibility, hemostatic properties, as well as capabilities including promoting cell migration, and adsorption to bacterial cells and toxin. The therapeutic efficacy of the hydrogel was validated using a mouse model of MRSA-induced cutaneous infections. Overall, this work introduces a straightforward yet highly efficient multifunctional hydrogel platform that combines synergetic antibacterial actions, ROS scavenging, and hemostasis to enhance the healing of bacteria-associated wounds.

Polymer gel materials based on polyvinyl alcohol and silver nanoparticles

Recently, issues of technogenic and environmental safety have come to the fore in the development of civilization. Currently, there is a tendency to increase the number of man-made emergencies. One of the ways to mitigate their impact and consequences on the population is the creation of innovative medical materials. Therefore, the idea of ​​developing a non-toxic, antibacterial and antiviral polymer hydrogel with given functional properties as a wound dressing is relevant today. The work is devoted to the creation of silver-containing gel materials based on polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol. Hydrogel nanocomposite materials were obtained by reduction of silver ions with the help of ascorbic acid followed by cross-linking of polymer macromolecules by irradiation with a high-energy electron beam. The structure of hydrogel materials was studied by the method of wide-angle X-ray scattering and the presence of metallic silver in the studied polymer systems was confirmed. It was established that polymeric hydrogel materials PVA-PEG-1%-Ag exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral activity. It was found that the investigated polymer hydrogel materials with silver nanoparticles do not exhibit a toxic effect.

Self-healing, adhesive, antibacterial, and biocompatible hydrogel dressings using sialic acid substituted chitosan and oxidized pullulan with incorporation of epigallocatechin gallate

The development of innovative therapeutic strategies is highly desired for wound regeneration. In this study, sialic acid substituted chitosan (CS-SA) was reacted with oxidized pullulan (OPL) via Schiff base links to obtain functional CS-SA/OPL hydrogels, into which the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was in situ incorporated. The prepared hydrogels exhibited interconnected porous structure and good water absorption ability (over 37 g/g). Furthermore, the CS-SA/OPL hydrogels performed excellent self-healing and adhesive properties. With the incorporation of EGCG, the antibacterial effects against E. coli and S. aureus, as well as antioxidative activity, were significantly improved. In addition, in vitro L-929 cell experiments confirmed that cell viability and cell immigration could be significantly improved with the incorporation of EGCG in CS-SA/OPL hydrogels. Based on the above results, hydrogels possess a promising potential as wound dressings in wound healing applications.