Antibiofilm and pH-responsive properties of nature-derived mucin biomaterials and their potentials for chronic wound care

Effective wound-infection management requires reducing bacterial load and avoiding the formation of bacterial biofilms. In this study, we characterized the structure, composition, and function of mucin extracted from the porcine stomach and demonstrated its pH responsiveness, bacterial load control, and biofilm disruption capabilities. The microstructure of the mucin extract shifts from aggregated to relaxed state and its structure changes from gel to solution as its surrounding pH increases. The deterioration of wounds, characterized, among others, by changes in pH, can be monitored by observing changes in the apparent structural features of the mucin extract, e.g., turbidity. Moreover, the extract displays membrane toxicity against lipid membranes and bacteriostatic effects on both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Notably, the extract also promotes the dispersion of bacterial biofilms after 24 h and 48 h of formation. The biocompatibility, pH responsiveness, and antibiofilm properties of mucin present a novel approach for treating chronic wound infections.