Nanocomposite hydrogel with multiple metal ions coupling for effective treatment of bacteria infected wound via cascade catalysis and tissue regeneration

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are effective antibacterial agents, but their use is limited by toxicity at high concentrations and inadequate efficacy at low concentrations. To address the above challenges, we present a novel multifunctional hydrogel (HS@ABC hydrogel) designed to treat bacterial-infected wounds. This hydrogel incorporates cuprous-benzoylthiourea (BTU)-modified silver nanoparticles (ABC NPs) within a Schiff base-crosslinked hyaluronic acid-sodium alginate (HS) framework. In the infected area, the HS@ABC hydrogel mediates Cu + -based chemodynamic antibacterial therapy (CDT) and Ag + -assisted bacterial destruction. Additionally, the BTU agents on the nanoparticles continuously convert Cu 2+ to Cu + , enhancing the CDT process. As a result, effective antibacterial activity is achieved even at low silver concentrations. The hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel dressing achieved long-lasting antimicrobial effects and enhanced wound healing properties. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that this multifunctional hydrogel significantly enhances antimicrobial efficacy and biosafety at low silver concentrations, providing a promising strategy for bacterial-infected wound healing.