Tough Conductive Hydrogel Wound Dressing with Efficient Near-Infrared Photothermal Conversion Capability

This study developed a novel hydrogel with both antioxidant and conductive properties to address the healing requirements of bacterially infected wounds, aiming to eliminate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and establish a microenvironment conducive to wound healing. The hydrogel was prepared by blending quaternized carboxyl-functionalized chitosan (QCCS), ε-polylysine (ε-PL) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), forming a dual physicochemical cross-linked network. Poly(dopamine)-modified Ti3C2 MXene (PDA-MXene) contributes both photosensitivity and conductivity. PDA further enhances MXene’s photothermal conversion efficiency and antioxidant capacity, thereby optimizing the hydrogel’s overall performance. Performance testing demonstrates that this hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical stability, antioxidant activity and ideal conductivity, enabling efficient ROS scavenging. It also displays significant antibacterial effects, good blood compatibility and a marked ability to promote healing in bacterial infection wounds. In summary, the novel conductive gel dressing developed in this study integrates multiple advantages, providing an innovative and feasible solution for the efficient management of clinically infected wounds.