Multifunctional skin dressings synthesized via one‐pot photopolymerization: Advancing wound healing and infection prevention strategies

Abstract In the field of wound healing treatment, the development of new materials is essential to cover multiple functions, such as acceleration of the healing process, prevention of infection and response to stimuli, especially if they present lower costs or are easier to manufacture. These properties are of great importance to prompt skin cicatrization. In this work, new multifunctional skin dressings for wound healing and infection prevention are developed based on new hydrogel materials. The dressings are produced via a straightforward and environmentally friendly one‐pot photopolymerization manufacturing process utilizing vitamin B2 aqueous solutions as sensitizer, and energy‐efficient blue light sources. These dressings exhibit a high swelling capacity, pH and temperature responsiveness, biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity in the absence of conventional antibiotics, and are capable of promoting wound healing. The formulation is based on the combination of three monomers: 2‐((methacryloyloxy)ethyl)trimethylammonium chloride, methacrylic acid and N‐vinyl caprolactam. Collagen, hyaluronic acid, and essential oil of hop are added to enhance antimicrobial properties and stimulate regenerative cellular processes. In vivo experiments have demonstrated that pristine dressings are superior in promoting collagen and fibroblast regeneration and accelerating cicatrization as compared to dressings containing natural products. The dressing embedded with hop also displayed antimicrobial characteristics. The preparation and testing of these new efficient wound dressings are described. This study is distinctive in its integration of environmentally conscious manufacturing techniques with innovative material formulations, resulting in superior wound dressings that are both cost‐effective and highly functional. By achieving enhanced healing and infection prevention without the employment of conventional antibiotics, this work represents a substantial advancement in sustainable and effective wound care management.