A sustained H2S-releasing nanocellulose-based hydrogel with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties for promoting infected wound healing

Abstract

Infected wounds present unique challenges during healing, often characterized by prolonged inflammation and delayed tissue recovery. To address these issues, we developed a composite hydrogel (CAEG), which integrated a hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) donor (GYY4137), carboxylated nanocellulose (CNF-C) and ε-polylysine (ε-PL). This hydrogel was designed to enhance wound healing by mitigating inflammation and preventing infections. In vitro studies demonstrated that CAEG hydrogel facilitated cell migration, angiogenesis, and macrophage polarization toward the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype through controlled H₂S release. The ε-PL component provided additional antibacterial effects via electrostatic interactions. In vivo experiments confirmed that the CAEG hydrogel effectively accelerated wound closure in full-thickness skin infected wounds. These findings highlighted the CAEG hydrogel's potential as a promising tool for treating infected wounds by leveraging its dual anti-inflammatory and antibacterial capabilities.