Verteporfin-integrated conductive zwitterionic hydrogels for scarless wound management

Abstract

Hydrogels have outstanding values in wound management. Endeavors in this area have been concentrated on the improvement of the inherent functions of hydrogels and the cooperation with effective bioactives, achieving scarless wound therapy. Herein, we develop a novel verteporfin (VP)-integrated conductive zwitterionic [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) (SBMA) hydrogels for promoting wound healing process and prevention scar formation. The hydrogels with VP’s encapsulation are formed through PEDOT:PSS-promoted spontaneous polymerization of SBMA. The obtained dual-conductive hydrogels possess high resilience, desired adhesion, and inherent antibacterial property, making them extremely suitable for treating skin defects through close contact with wound area, infection reduction and lesions’ electrical field enhancement. Additionally, the loaded VP can be constantly released to wound sites and exhibits anti-scarring effect by inhibiting the Yes-Associated Protein activation and collagen deposition. Based on these advantages, our hydrogel patch has been proven to achieve satisfying therapeutic effects for in vivo scarless wound management. Thus, we believe that the proposed VP-integrated conductive SBMA hydrogels are valuable as multifunctional dressings for wound and scar management.