Hyaluronic Acid-Based Antibacterial Hydrogels for Use as Wound Dressings

Abstract

Wound dressings have been shifting toward a more active role in the wound-healing process. Hydrated environments with additives to aid in the healing process are currently being explored through the application of hydrocolloid dressings. However, these moist healing environments are also ideal for bacterial growth, leading to the widespread use of antibiotics with concerns of antibiotic resistance and toxicity. To overcome this concern, we present a hydrogel wound dressing consisting of hyaluronic acid (HA) cross-linked with gentamicin. This hydrogel treats bacterial infection locally, lowering the effective dose and reducing the concerns of antibiotic resistance and systemic exposure. Changing the cross-linking density, by using varied amounts of a cross-linker, created gels that provided a sustained release of gentamicin for up to 9 days with a range of adhesive and cohesive properties. Overall, this HA hydrogel could provide an important solution in treating local infection in burns and other dermal injuries.

Antimicrobial Natural Hydrogels in Biomedicine: Properties, Applications, and Challenges—A Concise Review

“…In addition, gelatin contains arginine-glycine-asparagine (RGD) units, which are known to promote cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation [47]. Hyaluronic acid is a natural linear polysaccharide found in numerous tissues (including the extracellular matrix), playing an important role in cellular signaling and wound healing [48] as it prevents the proliferation of bacteria and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.…”

“…This hydrogel was able to treat bacterial infection locally. Tuning crosslinking density was important to control a sustained release of gentamicin for up to nine days with a range of adhesive and cohesive properties [48].…”

Unraveling the New Perspectives on Antimicrobial Hydrogels: State-of-the-Art and Translational Applications

“…There are different options of HA-based hydrogels, and the large majority are designed for wound healing due to the biocompatibility, different cross-linking density to adjust the dosage, and hydrophilicity [ 74 ]. For example, Watson et al designed a gentamicin-loaded HA-based hydrogel for wound dressing, showing antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria [ 75 ]. However, Zhu et al synthesized an injectable elastin-like HA-based hydrogel for cartilage regeneration [ 76 ].…”

Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Cotton-Based Wound Dressing Coated with Chitosan/Cyclodextrin–Quercetin Inclusion Complex Nanofibers

“…The incorporation of antibiotics is the main approach in providing antibacterial properties to wound dressings. However, besides the lack of wound-healing properties, using antibiotics can cause substantial side effects and raise the risk of drug resistance . Flavonoids as natural bioactives can overcome these complications besides providing antibacterial and wound-healing properties. , Quercetin, a natural pentahydroxyflavone, is among the most prevalent flavonoids present in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and leaves .…”