In situ fabrication of co-coordinated TCPP-Cur donor-acceptor-type covalent organic framework-like photocatalytic hydrogel for rapid therapy of bacteria-infected wounds

Pathogenic bacterial infection and the presence of drug-resistant bacteria have been threatening the health of human. Phototherapy has attracted increasing attention for treating tissue infections because it is noninvasive and does not lead to drug resistance. Herein, we construct a Cu co-coordinated donor-acceptor type (D-A) co-valent organic framework-like (COF-like) and sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel (CTCS hydrogel) with photo -catalytic and anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of wound infection. The COF-like (TCPP-Cur) can be photoexcited with 660 nm light to produce electron-hole pairs that would be separated by donor-acceptor pairs. The co-coordinated Cu can reduce the band gap of TCPP-Cur, increase the separation rate of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and improve the photocatalytic performance of CTCS hydrogel. Under 660 nm irradiation, the CTCS hydrogel can achieve 99.95% and 98.5% bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) within 20 min owing to the synergistic interactions of the photothermal and pho-tocatalytic effects. In vivo tests have shown that CTCS hydrogel can reduce the expression of TNF-alpha and enhance the expression of IL-10 and VEGF to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. This photocatalytic hydrogel provides a promising strategy for reconstructing bacterially infected tissues rapidly.

Automated summary

Pathogenic bacterial infection and drug resistance pose a serious threat to human health. Phototherapy has emerged as a noninvasive and drug resistance-free approach for treating tissue infections. In this study, a Cu co-coordinated donor-acceptor type co-valent organic framework-like hydrogel was developed for the treatment of wound infection. The hydrogel exhibited photocatalytic and anti-inflammatory properties, achieving high bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli under light irradiation. In vivo tests further demonstrated its ability to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. This photocatalytic hydrogel offers a promising strategy for rapid reconstruction of infected tissues.