Smart Asymmetric Hydrogel with Integrated Multi‐Functions of NIR‐Triggered Tunable Adhesion, Self‐Deformation, and Bacterial Eradication

Abstract

Multifunctional hydrogels acting as wound dressing have received extensive attention in soft tissue repair; however, it is still a challenge to develop a non-antibiotic-dependent antibacterial hydrogel that has tunable adhesion and deformation to achieve on-demand removal. Herein, an asymmetric adhesive hydrogel with near-infrared (NIR)-triggered tunable adhesion, self-deformation, and bacterial eradication is designed. The hydrogel is prepared by the crosslinking polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid, during the sedimentation of conductive PPy-PDA nanoparticles based on the polymerization of pyrrole (Py) and dopamine (DA). Due to the conversion capacity from NIR light into heat for PPy-PDA NPs, the formed temperature-sensitive hydrogel exhibits tissue adhesive as well as NIR-triggered tunable adhesion and self-deformation property, which can achieve an on-demand dressing refreshing. Systematically in vitro/in vivo antibacterial experiments indicate that the hydrogel shows excellent disinfection capability to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The in vivo experiments in a full-layer cutaneous wound model demonstrate that the hydrogel has a good treatment effect to promote wound healing. Overall, the asymmetric hydrogel with tunable adhesion, self-deformation, conductive, and photothermal antibacterial activity may be a promising candidate to fulfill the functions of adhesion on skin tissue, easy removing on-demand, and accelerating the wound healing process.

Hydrogel Combined with Phototherapy in Wound Healing

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 74 ] Copyright 2021, Wiley‐VCH GmbH. d) Stress–strain curve and elastic recovery image of hydrogel in tension/compression.…”

“…c) Adhesion property of hydrogel on different substrates. Reproduced with permission [74]. Copyright 2021, Wiley-VCH GmbH.…”

Smart dressings for wound monitoring and treatment: new-type skin bioelectronic systems applicated in wound repair

“…What's more, nanoparticles are also used in NIR triggered dressings. Unlike antibiotic-dependent antibacterial hydrogel, Feng et al (2021) designed a hydrogel with near-infrared (NIR)-triggered tunable adhesion and bacterial eradication. As the nanoparticles in it has conversion capacity from NIR light into heat, the temperature-sensitive hydrogel can adhere to the wound with its self-deformation property, and achieve an on-demand dressing refreshing.…”

Infection Micromilieu‐Activated Nanocatalytic Membrane for Orchestrating Rapid Sterilization and Stalled Chronic Wound Regeneration

“…Conventional wound dressings are regularly sponges, bandages, or gauze, which simply possess one unitary function, for instance, forming a physical parclose or assimilating exudate, and they are provided with an inferior biochemical function in eradicating bacteria and promoting healing. [6] To enhance antibacterial properties, earlier generations of wound dressings were enriched with bactericidal agents, such as antibiotics, quaternary salts, and sliver nanoparticles, as a chronic wound remedy. [7] Nevertheless, these agents generally present a certain degree of systemic or organ toxicity.…”