Dual-Response Hydrogel System Coordinating Immunomodulation and Tissue Repair for Promoting Infected Burn Wound Healing

Abstract

Severe burn wounds accompanied by infections associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are increasingly prevalent. However, infections and inflammatory storms occurring in the early stages of healing frequently lack effective interventions, which then disrupt subsequent normal healing events, ultimately resulting in suboptimal healing outcomes. Unfortunately, currently multifunctional hydrogel dressings are mostly focused on a single stage of the healing process (inflammatory or proliferative phase), failing to optimally orchestrate the immune microenvironment and tissue regeneration, which limits their clinical applicability. In response, we customized a GelMA-based hydrogel repair system involved in the whole healing process to promote tissue regeneration in a fine-tuned immune milieu. The combination of formulas demonstrated efficacy in alleviating the hyperinflammatory infiltration of wounds and stimulating neovascularization, hair follicle regeneration, and collagen deposition during the proliferative stage. Our dual-response hydrogel system presented an innovative strategy for refractory wound management, matching the clinical exigencies.