Injectable Self-Healing Hydrogel with Antimicrobial\nand Antifouling Properties

Abstract

Microbial\nadhesion, biofilm formation and associated microbial\ninfection are common challenges faced by implanted biomaterials (e.g.,\nhydrogels) in bioengineering applications. In this work, an injectable\nself-healing hydrogel with antimicrobial and antifouling properties\nwas prepared through self-assembly of an ABA triblock copolymer employing\ncatechol functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) as A block and poly­{[2-(methacryloyloxy)-ethyl]\ntrimethylammonium iodide}­(PMETA) as B block. This hydrogel exhibits\nexcellent thermosensitivity, and can effectively inhibit the growth\nof <i>E. coli</i> (>99.8% killing efficiency) and prevent\ncell attachment. It can also heal autonomously from repeated damage,\nthrough mussel-inspired catechol-mediated hydrogen bonding and aromatic\ninteractions, exhibiting great potential in bioengineering applications.