Mesoporous CuS functionalized hydrogel with hierarchical structure for synergistic photothermal antibacterial activity, strong bioadhesion and accelerated hemostasis in wound repair.

Abstract

Bacterial infection impeded wound healing, causing significant discomfort and endangering the lives of patients. Overusing antibiotics to address such infections has spurred drug resistance in certain pathogenic bacteria. Hence, there is a pressing demand for a non-antibiotic-dependent versatile dressing to amplify on-site antibacterial efficacy, effectively averting wound infections, and fostering wound recovery. In this study, a pioneering near-infrared activated antibacterial EPLGA/OHADA@HMCuS hydrogel was formulated by doping hollow mesoporous copper sulfide (HMCuS) into the three-dimensional spatial network structure formed between gallic acid-modified ε-polylysine (EPL-GA) and dopamine-engineered and oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHADA). This hydrogel not only exhibited exceptional mechanical characteristics and tissue adhesion but also showcased favorable biocompatibility, sustaining cellular viability. The obtained EPLGA/OHADA@ HMCuS hydrogel not only demonstrated robust antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus under laser irradiation but also exhibited a pronounced cell migration-promoting effect. In mouse models of tail amputation and liver injury, this hydrogel exhibited remarkable hemostatic capabilities and was also capable of substantially expediting wound healing in bacterial-infected wounds-bearing rats, as evidenced by its promotion of collagen deposition and angiogenesis, along with the downregulation of inflammatory factors. Hence, this multifunctional EPLGA/OHADA@HMCuS hydrogel stands out as a highly promising wound-assisting material, exhibiting broad potential for clinical application in the future management of infected wounds.