Facile Preparation of a Multifunctional Hydrogel Composite Dressing via Dual Self-Redox Mechanism for Accelerated Infected Wound Healing

The management of infected wound healing remains a formidable challenge primarily due to the absence of an ideal wound dressing that can not only effectively inhibit persistent bacterial infection and mitigate excessive inflammation but also possess appropriate mechanical strength, moderate adhesiveness, and favorable self-healability to maintain its protective function and facilitate easy change. In this study, we present an effective strategy for the preparation of a novel composite hydrogel under mild conditions, without the need for additives. This is achieved by incorporating resveratrol (RSV)-loaded alkali lignin nanoparticles (ARNPs) into an advanced polyacrylamide-based hydrogel matrix. The utilization of ARNPs facilitated the sustained release of RSV, thereby enhancing its bioavailability. The polymerization of acrylamide was gently triggered by free radicals generated through a novel dual self-redox mechanism involving silver ions (Ag+), catechols, and ammonium persulfate in neutral and at room temperature, without the requirement of cross-linkers. The dual self-redox reactions played a dominant role in facilitating the gelation process and imparting the desired properties to the resulting hydrogels. The obtained product exhibited exceptional antibacterial properties, favorable anti-inflammatory activity, superior tensile strength, moderate adhesiveness, and reliable self-healability, thereby accelerating the closure of infected wounds. Collectively, this study synergistically integrated RSV-sustained release nanoparticles and a specially designed multifunctional hydrogel into a single system in a conveniently manipulable manner. This composite wound dressing material holds promise for promoting the healing of infected wounds and has potential applications in other complex wound treatments.