A multifunctional mussel-inspired hydrogel with antioxidant, electrical conductivity and photothermal activity loaded with mupirocin for burn healing

Abstract

The outstanding role of hydrogels in promoting wound repair has been studied extensively, but the development of hydrogels with multiple functions to deal with the complex wound environments remains as a challenge and a research focus. Thus, inspired by mussel chemistry, the dopamine grafted gelatin (GelDA) and polydopamine coated graphene oxide (pGO) were prepared firstly. Then, the GelDA/pGO hydrogels with multifunction of adhesion, conductivity, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity were designed through an oxidative coupling reaction between catechol groups. The rheology, mechanical properties, and conductivity of hydrogels could be adjusted appropriately by changing the concentration of pGO. Furthermore, the catechol groups made the hydrogel possessed an adequate adhesive hemostasis in the rat liver hemorrhage model. While the introducion of pGO enabled the hydrogels to get the satisfactory photothermal antibacterial properties, which were verified by both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria tests. Finally, in vivo wound healing experiment demonstrated the beneficial effect of hydrogel on promoting burn wound healing. The prepared GelDA/pGO hydrogels could be considered as promising multifunctional wound dressings for accelerating wound healing.

Keywords

• Mussel-inspired
• Adhesive hydrogel
• Conductive hydrogel dressing
• Antioxidant
• Photothermal
• Burn wound healing