Multifunctional Hydrogel with Photothermal ROS Scavenging and Antibacterial Activity Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing

This article studies an NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO₂/PDA hydrogel that synergistically exploits the unique antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes of CeO₂ NPs and the highly efficient NIR-responsive photothermal conversion capacities of PDA. The material exhibits good biocompatibility, excellent antimicrobial properties, and strong antioxidant capacities; thus, it can reduce oxidative stress by scavenging local wound ROS and preventing wound infection. The material builds a local microenvironment conducive to the healing of chronic diabetic wounds, offering a promising approach for diabetic wound healing.

Abstract

Poor diabetic wound healing poses a critical threat to human health. Excessive oxidative stress and increased susceptibility to bacterial infection are key issues that impede diabetic wound healing. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) have attracted increasing attention because of their unique antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Here, this work designs a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/CeO₂/polydopamine (PDA) hydrogel with antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The hydrogel exhibits a stable, efficient, and controllable photothermal conversion capacity under NIR stimulation. The hydrogel can be used to construct a local microenvironment conducive to chronic diabetic wound healing. Significant antibacterial effects of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO₂/PDA hydrogel on both Escherichia coli (E.coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are demonstrated by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) and in bacterial live/dead staining experiments. The strong antioxidant activity of hydrogels is demonstrated by measuring the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effect of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO₂/PDA hydrogel in terms of promoting diabetic wound healing is validated in full-thickness cutaneous wounds of diabetic rat models. Additionally, this work describes the mechanism by which the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO₂/PDA hydrogel promotes diabetic wound healing; the hydrogel inhibits the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway. This NIR-responsive, multifunctional hydrogel dressing provides a targeted approach to diabetic wound healing.