A tissue regeneration-promoting hydrogel dressing incorporating zirconium MOF loaded with curcumin for multi-modal healing of bacterial-infected wounds

The management of wounds afflicted by bacterial infections remains a formidable challenge within contemporary medical spheres. In recent years, hydrogels based on porous metal-organic framework (MOF) possess great potential in the treatment of bacterial infections in wounds due to their excellent drug delivery properties, promotion of tissue regeneration, and good biocompatibility. In this study, zirconium-based MOF (UIO-66) multifunctional hydrogel dressings loaded with curcumin (GMDE/UIO-66@Cur) were designed for the treatment of wounds afflicted by bacterial infections. The dynamic network of hydrogels formed by combining methacrylic anhydride-modified gelatin (GelMA) with oxidized (aldehyde functionalized) dextran (Dexo) via free radical polymerization and Schiff base reaction possesses excellent function of promoting skin regeneration. Meanwhile, the zirconium-based MOF-based hydrogel loaded with the active ingredient curcumin (Cur) fully enables antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. Through the realization of drug delivery and the stimulation of skin tissue regeneration, the GMDE/UIO-66@Cur hydrogel has been shown to expedite the healing of bacterial-infected wounds, achieving a remarkable healing ratio of 93.44 % by the 14th day of treatment. Furthermore, the wound tissue treated with the GMDE/UIO-66@Cur hydrogel demonstrates ameliorated inflammation, accompanied by augmented epithelial regeneration and angiogenesis. This design exhibits the promising application of this multifunctional hydrogel in the therapeutic management of bacterial-infected wounds.