A double-crosslinked self-healing antibacterial hydrogel with enhanced mechanical performance for wound treatment

Lei Wang; Kun Yang; Xiaozhen Li; Xuehui Zhang; Dawei Zhang; Lu-Ning Wang; Chun-Sing Lee

doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.038

A double-crosslinked self-healing antibacterial hydrogel with enhanced mechanical performance for wound treatment

Acta Biomater. 2021 Apr 1:124:139-152. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.038. Epub 2021 Jan 30.

Authors

Lei Wang¹, Kun Yang², Xiaozhen Li³, Xuehui Zhang⁴, Dawei Zhang⁵, Lu-Ning Wang⁶, Chun-Sing Lee⁷

Affiliations

¹ Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China; Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) & Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
² Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China.
³ Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) & Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
⁴ Department of Dental Materials, NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials & Dental Medical Devices Testing Center, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Zhongguancun South Avenue No 22, Beijing 100081, PR China. Electronic address: zhangxuehui@bjmu.edu.cn.
⁵ Corrosion and Protection Centre, University of Science and Technology Beijing 30 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, PR China.
⁶ Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, PR China. Electronic address: luning.wang@ustb.edu.cn.
⁷ Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) & Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, PR China. Electronic address: apcslee@cityu.edu.hk.

PMID: 33524557
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.038

Abstract

Self-healing hydrogel systems usually suffer from poor mechanical performance stemmed from weaker and reversible non-covalent interactions or dynamic chemical bonds, which hamper their practical applications. This issue is addressed by adopting a double-crosslinking design involving both dynamic Schiff base bonds and non-dynamic photo-induced crosslinking. This leads to the formation of a special topological structure which simultaneously provide good self-healing capability and enhanced mechanical performance (elastic recovery and tensile modulus of 157.4 kPa, close to modulus of native skin). The quaternary ammonium and protonated amino groups can provide superior antibacterial capability; and Schiff base formation between residual aldehyde groups and amino groups on tissue surface contribute to hydrogel's adhesion to tissues (5.9 kPa). Furthermore, the multifunctional hydrogels with desirable mechanical performance, self-healing capability, superior antibacterial capability and tissue adhesion can significantly promote healing of infectious cutaneous wound, tissue remodeling and regeneration.

Keywords: Antibacterial hydrogels; Double-crosslinking design; Enhanced mechanical performance; Self-healing; Wound healing.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
Hydrogels*
Skin
Wound Healing*

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Hydrogels