Supramolecular co-assembled hybrid hydrogels for antibacterial therapy

Bacterial infections arising from antibiotic-resistant strains represent a formidable global health threat. In the realm of antibacterial therapies, supramolecular hydrogels stand out with unique advantages owing to their adaptable and flexible non-covalent interactions with diverse biomolecules. Their ability to encapsulate a variety of biologically active agents through co-assembly further amplifies their efficacy, endowing these hybrid hydrogels with a spectrum of functionalities within a unified system. Various functionalities encompass self-healing, injectability, tissue adhesion, facile drug loading, controlled release mechanisms, biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and antioxidative attributes. This review article delves into two categories of supramolecular antibacterial hydrogels: i) those with intrinsic antibacterial attributes and ii) supramolecular co-assembled hybrid hydrogels formed through the integration of hydrogels with an assortment of active antibacterial agents, including various nanomaterials, antibiotics, biologically active compounds derived from natural sources, and antibacterial polymers. The anticipated role of supramolecular co-assembled hybrid hydrogels, coupled with contemporary medical technologies and devices, is paramount in the development of highly effective and secure platforms for antibacterial therapy. Furthermore, review addresses the current challenges in the realm of antibacterial hydrogels while elucidating prospective future advancements in this field.