Scalable and Versatile Metal Ion Solidificated Alginate Hydrogel for Skin Wound Infection Therapy

) to create Metal-Alginate (M-Alg) hydrogel with adjustable morphology, composition, and microstructure. It conforms to the wound site, protects against second infection, reduces inflammation, and promotes the healing of infected wounds. Among these hydrogels, Cu-Alginate (Cu-Alg) shows excellent sterilization effect and good efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) due to its dual antibacterial mechanisms: contact-killing and reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Importantly, it exhibits low cytotoxicity and biodegradability. This simple and cost-effective gel-based system has the potential to introduce an innovative approach to the management of wound infection and offers promising new perspectives for the advancement of wound care practice.