Marine-inspired near-infrared-activated multifunctional hydrogel with immunomodulatory properties for multidrug-resistant bacterial infected wound healing

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections in skin wounds have become a critical medical challenge due to the diminishing effectiveness of available antibiotics. Persistent bacterial infections, excessive reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), and prolonged inflammatory responses significantly impede the wound healing process. To address these challenges, we propose a marine-inspired multifunctional 3AGM hydrogel designed to provide comprehensive antibacterial action, mitigate oxidative stress, and promote wound healing throughout the treatment process. The hydrogel features a cross-linked network of acrylic acid and acrylamide, incorporating natural melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) extracted from cuttlefish ink and polydopamine nanoparticles (APDA) polymerized by l-arginine. Gallium ions (Ga³⁺) serve as both ionic crosslinkers and antibacterial agents. The MNPs endow the hydrogel with controllable photothermal therapeutic capabilities, and in combination with Ga³⁺, provide synergistic antibacterial treatment for infected wounds. The integration of APDA imparts strong antioxidant activity to 3AGM hydrogel, effectively reducing oxidative stress at the wound site and promoting sustained tissue regeneration. The 3AGM hydrogel demonstrates promising potential in promoting wound healing for skin infections caused by MDR bacteria.