“It is important to explore a new strategy for the treatment of infected soft tissue wounds because it is directly related to prognosis,” said author Ruixin Lin. “We are trying to develop a simpler, safer way to help more patients avoid suffering and more doctors to make the right choice.”
The team created an antibacterial injectable hydrogel enhanced with black phosphorus to restore biological barriers in soft tissues and suppress persistent infections. The gel has a porous structure, excellent injectability and rapid self-healing properties.
In vitro tests showed that the hydrogel has good stability and low toxicity to tissue cells. Irradiation of the gel with near-infrared light causes its silver ions to be released. This process was highly effective at preventing S. aureus, a common bacteria that causes disease in humans.
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“Furthermore, an in vivo infected wound model showed that the hydrogel not only inhibited persistent wound infection, but could also accelerate the deposition of collagen fibers and angiogenesis, thereby restoring the natural barrier of soft tissues,” said Lin. .
The team believes it solves current clinical challenges, such as stubborn infections caused by antibiotic resistance, and provides new ideas for minimally invasive treatment. They hope to use it in the clinic once they have done enough research on its underlying mechanisms.
Source: Eurekalert
