A Macroporous Hydrogel Dressing with Enhanced Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities for Accelerated Wound Healing

Here, a novel macroporous hydrogel dressing is presented that can accelerate wound healing and guard against bacteria-associated wound infection. Carboxymethyl agarose (CMA) is successfully prepared from agarose. The CMA molecular chains are cross-linked by hydrogen bonding to form a supramolecular hydrogel, and the hydroxy groups in the CMA molecules complex with Ag+ to promote hydrogel formation. This hydrogel composite exhibits pH-responsiveness and temperature-responsiveness and releases Ag+, an antibacterial agent, over a prolonged period of time. Moreover, this hydrogel exhibits outstanding cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility. In vitro and in vivo investigations demonstrate that the hydrogel has enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities and can significantly accelerate skin tissue regeneration and wound closure. Astonishingly, the hydrogel can cause the inflammation process to occur earlier and for a shorter amount of time than in a normal process. Given its excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and physicochemical properties, the broad application of this hydrogel in bacteria-associated wound management is anticipated.