Engineering Titanium–Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Enhanced Antibacterial and Wound Healing Efficacy

Abstract

External factors often lead to predictable damage, such as chemical injuries, burns, incisions, and wounds. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics at wound sites underscores the importance of developing hydrogel composite systems with inorganic nanoparticles possessing antibacterial properties to treat infected wounds and expedite the skin regeneration process. In this study, a promising TiO 2 −HAp@PF-127@CBM inorganic and organic integrated hydrogel system was designed to address challenges associated with bacterial resistance and wound healing. The synthesized TiO 2 −hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocomposites were coated with an FDA-approved PluronicF-127 polymer and combined with a carbomer hydrogel (CBM) to accomplish the final product. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit enhanced biocompatibility against L929 and HUVECs and cell proliferation effects. To mitigate oxidative stress caused by TiO 2 -induced reactive oxygen species in dark environments for effective antibacterial effects, HAp promotes cell proliferation, expediting wound skin layer formation. CBM binds to inorganic nanoparticles, facilitating their gradual release and promoting wound healing. The reduced inflammation and enhanced tissue regeneration observed in the TiO 2 −HAp@PF-127@CBM group suggest a favorable environment for wound repair. These results align with prior findings highlighting the biocompatibility and wound-healing properties of titanium-HAp-based materials. The ability of the TiO 2 −HAp@PF-127@CBM hydrogel dressing to promote granulation tissue formation and facilitate epidermal regeneration underscores its potential for promoting antibacterial effects and wound healing applications.