An Injectable Living Hydrogel with Embedded Probiotics as a Novel Strategy for Combating Multifaceted Pathogen Wound Infections.

Abstract

Wound infections pose a significant challenge in healthcare, and traditional antibiotic treatments often result in the development of resistant pathogens. Addressing this gap, we introduced ProGel, a living hydrogel created by entrapping probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum as a therapeutic component within a gelatin matrix. With a double-syringe system, ProGel can be easily mixed and applied, conforming swiftly to any wound shape and forming hydrogel in situ. It also demonstrated robust mechanical and self-healing properties owing to the Schiff-base bonds. ProGel sustained more than 80% viability of the entrapped L. plantarum while restricting their escape from the hydrogel. After a week of storage, more than 70% viability of the entrapped L. plantarum was preserved. Importantly, ProGel exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against pathogens commonly associated with wound infections, i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7Log reduction), Staphylococcus aureus (3-7Log reduction), and Candida albicans (40-70% reduction). Moreover, its cytocompatibility was affirmed through co-culture with human dermal fibroblasts. The effectiveness of ProGel was further highlighted in more clinically relevant tests on human skin wound models infected with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, where it successfully prevented the biofilm formation of these pathogens. This study showcases an injectable living hydrogel system for the management of complex wound infections. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.