Borate and Disulfide Dual-Dynamic Hydrogel for ROS Dual-Scavenging

Abstract

The excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on wound surfaces poses considerable challenges to the wound healing process, as it exacerbates inflammation and heightens the risk of skin infections. Consequently, the development of multifunctional dressings that possess both ROS-scavenging and antimicrobial properties is of clinical significance for enhancing wound healing. To address these challenges, we synthesized a dual-scavenging hydrogel utilizing dual-dynamic crosslinking techniques. This hydrogel is composed of poly-lysine-grafted D-glucono-1,5-lactone, dithiodipropionic acid/lipoic acid, and dopamine (PLGDTD), in conjunction with borax. The multifunctional attributes of the hydrogel can be attributed to the incorporation of borate esters, dopamine, and disulfide bonds. Experimental results demonstrate that this hydrogel exhibits a robust antioxidant capacity and a pronounced inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . The results of cellular studies indicate that the hydrogel is capable of effectively scavenging ROS and mitigating oxidative stress, attributable to its dual-scavenging mechanism involving borate and disulfide bonds. This multifunctional hydrogel demonstrates significant potential as a candidate for enhancing wound healing associated with ROS.