Sprayable nanocomposite hydrogel dressing enriched with cerium oxide nanoparticles for accelerated wound healing and infection control

Abstract

Wound healing remains a critical challenge in medical treatment, particularly for infected and complex wounds. This study introduces a novel sprayable nanocomposite hydrogel dressing (SA/CaCl₂/CeO₂, SCC) that demonstrates exceptional potential for accelerated wound healing and bacterial infection control. By integrating cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) with sodium alginate (SA) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂), we developed a versatile and portable wound healing solution that possesses the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), remarkable biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and regenerative capabilities. The synthesized SCC hydrogel was comprehensively characterized through advanced microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, revealing a unique nanostructured composition with intrinsic redox capacity. In vitro assessments demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and potent antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In vivo rat wound model experiments further validated the hydrogel’s therapeutic efficacy, showing significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced inflammatory responses, and enhanced tissue regeneration. Key innovations include the hydrothermal synthesis of CeO₂ nanoparticles, a simple spray-induced crosslinking process, and the strategic incorporation of nanoparticles to modulate wound healing mechanisms. The SCC hydrogel exhibited superior performance in promoting granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, and bacterial elimination, positioning it as a promising candidate for advanced wound management strategies.

Graphical abstract