Multicomponent Synergistic Antibacterial Hydrogel\nBased on Gelatin-Oxidized Carboxymethyl Cellulose for Wound Healing\nof Drug-Resistant Chronic Infection

Abstract

Bacterial\ninvasion hinders the healing process of wound, leading\nto the formation of chronic infected wound; meanwhile, the misuse\nof antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of numerous drug-resistant\nbacteria. The application of conventional antimicrobial methods and\nwound treatment techniques is not appropriate for wound dressings.\nIn this paper, quaternized poly(vinyl alcohol) (QPVA) and pomegranate-like\ncopper uniformly doped polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA@Cu) were introduced\ninto a gelatin-oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose system to form a multicomponent\nsynergistic antibacterial hydrogel (GOQ₃P₃).\nPolydopamine improves the biocompatibility and prevents the detachment\nof Cu nanoparticles. It can achieve synergistic antibacterial effects\nthrough quaternary ammonium salt-inorganic nanoparticle photothermal\ntreatment under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. It exhibits\nhighly efficient and rapid bactericidal properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and <i>MRSA</i> (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) with an antibacterial rate\nclose to 100%. The gel scaffold composed of macromolecules gives the\nhydrogel excellent mechanical properties, adhesive capabilities, self-healing\ncharacteristics, biocompatibility, and pH degradation and promotes\ncell adhesion and migration. In a full-thickness wound healing model\ninfected with <i>MRSA</i>, GOQ₃P₃ controls\ninflammatory responses, accelerates collagen deposition, promotes\nangiogenesis, and enhances wound closure in the wound healing cascade\nreaction. This study provides a feasible strategy for constructing\ndressings targeting chronic infection wounds caused by drug-resistant\nbacteria.