An Electroconductive and Antibacterial Adhesive Nanocomposite Hydrogel for High-Performance Skin Wound Healing

Multifunctional hydrogel adhesives inhibiting infections and enabling the electrical stimulation (ES) of tissue reparation are highly desirable for the healing of surgical wounds and other skin injuries. Herein, a therapeutic nanocomposite hydrogel is designed by integrating beta-cyclodextrin-embedded Ag nanoparticles (CDAgNPs) in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix enhanced with free beta-cyclodextrin (CD) and an atypical macromolecule made of beta-glucan grafted with hyaluronic acid (HAG). The main objective is to develop a biocompatible dressing combining the electroconductivity and antibacterial activity of CDAgNPs with the cohesiveness and porosity of PVA and the anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and cell proliferation-promoting properties of HAG. The last component, CD, is added to strengthen the network structure of the hydrogel. PVA/CD/HAG/CDAgNP exhibited excellent adhesion strength, biocompatibility, electroconductivity, and antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria. In addition, the nanocomposite hydrogel has a swelling ratio and water retention capacity suitable to serve as a wound dressing. PVA/CD/HAG/CDAgNP promoted the proliferation of fibroblast in vitro, accelerated the healing of skin wounds in an animal model, and is hemostatic. Upon ES, the PVA/CD/HAG/CDAgNP nanocomposite hydrogel became more efficient both in vitro and in vivo further speeding up the skin healing process thus demonstrating its potential as a next-generation electroconductive wound dressing. An antibacterial, biocompatible, adhesive, anti-inflammatory, and electroconductive hydrogel made of a polyvinyl alcohol, beta-cyclodextrin, and hyaluronic acid-grafted beta-glucan matrix with embedded cyclodextrin-encased Ag nanoparticles is developed for injury repair applications. The hydrogel stimulates fibroblast proliferation and the production of collagen fibers. It closes and heals skin wounds within as little as 6 days when exposed to an exogenous electric field.image

Automated summary

In this study, an antibacterial, biocompatible, adhesive, anti-inflammatory, and electroconductive hydrogel was developed for injury repair applications. The hydrogel combines multiple functionalities, including the incorporation of silver nanoparticles and the addition of cyclodextrin, to promote tissue repair and accelerate the healing of skin wounds. The results of the study demonstrate that the hydrogel exhibits excellent biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity, and has the potential to enhance wound healing under electrical stimulation.