Volume 45, Issue 8 2300683
Research Article

Sprayable Zwitterionic Antibacterial Hydrogel With High Mechanical Resilience and Robust Adhesion for Joint Wound Treatment

Qinsheng Hu

Qinsheng Hu

Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yaan People's Hospital, Yaan, 625000 China

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Yangrui Du

Yangrui Du

College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Yangjing Bai

Yangjing Bai

West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University/Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China

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Dandan Xing

Dandan Xing

College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Shiying Lang

Shiying Lang

College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Kaijun Li

Kaijun Li

College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

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Xinyun Li

Xinyun Li

Dazhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Dazhou, Sichuan, 635000 China

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Yong Nie

Corresponding Author

Yong Nie

Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China

: [email protected]; [email protected]

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Gongyan Liu

Corresponding Author

Gongyan Liu

College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China

: [email protected]; [email protected]

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First published: 18 January 2024

Abstract

Wound healing in movable parts, including the joints and neck, remains a critical challenge due to frequent motions and poor flexibility of dressings, which may lead to mismatching of mechanical properties and poor fitting between dressings and wounds; thus, increasing the risk of bacterial infection. This study proposes a sprayable zwitterionic antibacterial hydrogel with outstanding flexibility and desirable adhesion. This hydrogel precursor is fabricated by combining zwitterionic sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) with poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate-co-dopamine methacrylamide)-modified silver nanoparticles (PSBDA@AgNPs) through robust electrostatic interactions. About 150 s of exposure to UV light, the SBMA monomer polymerizes to form PSB chains entangled with PSBDA@AgNPs, transformed into a stable and adhesion PSB–PSB@Ag hydrogel at the wound site. The resulting hydrogel has adhesive strength (15–38 kPa), large tensile strain (>400%), suitable shape adaptation, and excellent mechanical resilience. Moreover, the hydrogel displays pH-responsive behavior; the acidic microenvironment at the infected wound sites prompts the hydrogel to rapidly release AgNPs and kill bacteria. Further, the healing effect of the hydrogel is demonstrated on the rat neck skin wound, showing improved wound closing rate due to reduced inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis. Overall, the sprayable zwitterionic antibacterial hydrogel has significant potential to promote joint skin wound healing.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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