Near-infrared/pH dual-responsive triggered on-demand release of curcumin from ammonium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel for bacterial infected cutaneous wound healing

The use of antibacterial hydrogel with biocompatibility has gained attention in wound healing due to the proliferation of drug-resistant microorganisms caused by antibiotic misuse, which slows down the healing process of skin wounds. This research employed a hydrogel that responds to both pH and near-infrared (NIR) in order to facilitate the healing of infected wounds. The dual-network hydrogel was successfully produced by utilizing the freeze–thaw method, which consists of secure components like ammonium alginate (AA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Polydopamine-curcumin (PDA-Cur) nanoparticles were prepared and loaded into the hydrogel. The medications could come out of the AA/PVA@PDA-Cur hydrogel (Gel-PC) when required under NIR laser irradiation. The incorporation of Curcumin provided the hydrogel with excellent antibacterial capabilities. Meanwhile, NIR radiation activated the photothermal PDA nanoparticles in the Gel-PC, generating localized thermal therapy to eliminate bacteria. In vivo treatment of mice on a Staphylococcus aureus -infected alloplastic defect model demonstrated that the Gel-PC had excellent antibacterial and wound-healing properties, leading to a reduction in inflammation. Gel-PC stimulated angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and the development of granulation tissue. Consequently, Gel-PC offered a tactical alternative for creating antibacterial wound dressings in conjunction with photothermal therapy and may find use in the treatment of infected wounds.