Breathable, Moisturizing Biomimetic Wound Dressing with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Properties.

Abstract

Maintaining wound breathability and preventing infection are crucial for moist wound healing. However, existing hydrogel dressings suffer from poor breathability and clinically used antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, metal nanoparticles, and natural antimicrobial substances face challenges including resistance, toxicity, and high extraction costs, respectively. Inspired by the antimicrobial properties of airway surface liquid (ASL), a biomimetic moisturizing and antibacterial hydrogel dressing (BMAHD) is designed. It combines polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel with ordinary gauze to achieve high breathability, while also secreting a water-glycerol mixture to moisturize the wound. Interestingly, Na₂CO₃ secreted by dressing achieves broad-spectrum bactericidal effects, with up to 99% sterilization rates within 24 h. Furthermore, co-cultivation experiments with mouse embryonic fibroblasts (L929) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) demonstrate excellent cellular compatibility of the dressing. To prove of concept, the animal model confirms that BMAHD significantly promotes wound healing. The BMAHD provides a valuable reference for the design of novel medical dressings.