A multifunctional hydrogel with mild photothermal antibacterial and antioxidant properties based on quercetin and dopamine-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles for healing bacteria-infected wound

Bacterial infection and inflammation hinder the natural healing process of skin wounds and may also cause wound complications. In light of the aforementioned considerations, this study developed an antibacterial and antioxidant QT/PDA@ZnO /QCS/(PAM-PAMPS) hydrogel (QPQH). The hydrogel dressing employs a dual network structure and incorporates quercetin (QT), quaternary ammonium salt chitosan (QCS), and polydopamine-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (PDA@ZnO NPs) into a Polyacrylamide–Poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid)(PAM-co-AMPS)hydrogel. This design enables QPQH to exhibit good mechanical properties, remarkable adhesion properties, and the capacity to adhere closely to the wound. The mild photothermal properties (˃50 °C) and Zn2+ release ability of PDA@ZnO NPs can cooperate with the destruction ability of QCS to bacterial cell membranes, thereby achieving efficient sterilization. This process has been demonstrated to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with approximately 98.5 % and 99.8 % efficiency, respectively. The incorporation of QT into hydrogel confers excellent antioxidant properties, which serve to reduce oxidative stress in wounds and prevent inflammation. Furthermore, hydrogel displays favorable blood compatibility and cell compatibility, facilitating the repair of bacteria-Infected wounds and promoting angiogenesis and collagen deposition in skin wounds. In conclusion, the antibacterial and antioxidant QPQH dressing has considerable potential for clinical use in the treatment of bacteria-Infected wounds.