Composite Hydrogel Loaded with Ginsenoside Rc and Cuttlefish Ink Nanoparticles: Photothermal–Immunomodulatory Synergy for Accelerated Healing of Bacteria-Infected Wounds

Abstract

The infected wound healing remains challenges in the clinic due to the synergistic pathological effects of persistent inflammation, dysregulated oxidative stress, and compromised neovascularization. Existing therapeutic strategies often fail to simultaneously address these interlinked challenges. To address this issue, the GelMA@Rc/CINPs composite hydrogel was developed that innovatively integrates the photothermal antibacterial property of cuttlefish ink nanoparticles with the mitochondrial-protective effect of Rc to establish a multipathway cotherapeutic system. Rapidly gelated by blue light cross-linking, its nanoparticles can effectively clear biofilms, while ginsenoside Rc synergistically regulates the inflammatory response, ultimately accelerating the healing of infected wounds. With excellent size distribution and biocompatibility, the GelMA@Rc/CINPs composite hydrogel demonstrates significant potential for clinical translation in managing bacterial infection-related wound healing.