Green eutectogel with antibacterial-sensing integration for infected wound treatment

Abstract

Hydrogels, a class of highly hydrated materials mimicking the extracellular matrix, offer tunable mechanical properties and serve as versatile platforms for functionalization, which have been used for wound dressing to prevent infection and fluid loss. However, their inherent moisture evaporation hampers both storage stability and service life in practical applications. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), as a category of eco-friendly solvents, exhibit low vapor pressure, good conductivity, biodegradability, non-flammability, and affordability. Eutectogels using DESs as a solvent not only retain the mechanical strength and functionality of hydrogel systems but also circumvent the limitations imposed by water evaporation in conventional hydrogels, which presents a promising direction and material framework for more personalized and efficacious wound management strategies. In this study, we have successfully synthesized a novel ternary deep eutectic solvent composed of glycerol, zinc chloride, and choline chloride, and subsequently incorporated polymerizable double bonds to fabricate an eco-friendly, antimicrobial-sensing eutectogel. This gel possesses a unique combination of high mechanical strength, universal adhesion capabilities, persistent bactericidal activity, superior sensing properties, and excellent biocompatibility. Its potential application as a wound dressing was explored, with results demonstrating the ability of eutectogel to accelerate wound healing and prevent bacterial colonization at the wound site. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation and a promising material platform for the development of next-generation intelligent wound dressings.