Dual-functional hydrogel capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species and regulating macrophage polarization for repairing MRSA-infected wounds.

Abstract

The healing of infected wounds presents a remarkable clinical challenge owing to bacterial infection-induced oxidative stress and persistent inflammation. To address these issues, a multifunctional hydrogel was prepared by means of Schiff base crosslinking between oxidized konjac glucomannan (OKGM) and sericin, followed by the incorporation of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs). The OKGM/Sericin-PDA NPs (KSP) hydrogel exhibited excellent antioxidant capacity, facilitating macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the KSP hydrogel exerted immunomodulatory effect by activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, the KSP hydrogel exhibited photothermal properties, thereby demonstrating potent antibacterial efficacy against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Significantly, in a murine model of full-thickness wounds infected with MRSA, the hydrogel combined with near-infrared irradiation demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity and anti-inflammation, contributing to accelerating wounds healing by reducing bacterial load and regulating the wound immune microenvironment. In summary, these results indicate that the KSP hydrogel serves as a promising multifunctional dressing, offering an effective clinical approach for repairing and regenerating full-thickness infected wounds.