Bacteria-Activated Dual pH- and Temperature-Responsive Hydrogel for Targeted Elimination of Infection and Improved Wound Healing

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15659
• Publication Date: 2022-11-10T19:46:22Z
• Authors: Hanif Haidari; Krasimir Vasilev; Allison J. Cowin; Zlatko Kopecki
• Keywords: Pathogenic bacteria

Antibacterial treatment that provides on-demand release of therapeutics can kill a broad spectrum pathogens while maintaining long-term efficacy and without developing resistance or causing side effects is urgently required in clinical practice. Here, we demonstrate the development multistimuli-responsive hydrogel, prepared by cross-linking N-isopropylacrylamide with acrylic acid loaded ultrasmall silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), offering Ag+ ions triggered changes wound microenvironment. We this dual-responsive hydrogel highly sensitive to typical pH temperature change, evidenced restricted at acidic (<5.5) significantly promoting alkaline (>7.4) (>90% release). The pH-dependent antibacterial effect show minimal killing 4 5.5 but dramatically activated 7.4 10, eliminating >95% pathogens. vivo safety showed high potency clear Staphylococcus aureus infection accelerating healing rate. This multifunctional presents promising bacteria-responsive delivery platform serves as an carrier not only reduce also boost efficiency based on physiological needs. It offers great potential improve way infections are treated direct implications, providing single for long-lasting application management.