Highly Effective Treatment of Superbug-Infected Wounds Using a Multicomponent Photothermal Antibacterial Synergistic Hydrogel Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Polydopamine-Coated Carbon Dots

Carbon nanoparticles like carbon dots (CDs) and polydopamine (PDA) have shown promise for their antibacterial and wound-healing properties, but their combined effects in a single hydrogel system have not been thoroughly explored. This study aims to create and test a novel hydrogel that integrates carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PDA, and CDs, with mupirocin to enhance antibacterial and wound-healing capabilities. PDA/CDs were synthesized by coating carbon dots with polydopamine and tested for photothermal performance. Hydrogels incorporating CMC, PVA, PDA, and CDs were prepared, characterized for their swelling, degradation, and rheological properties, and evaluated for mupirocin release and antibacterial activity. In vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo wound healing in mice, including histopathological analysis, were also conducted to assess the hydrogels' effectiveness. The hydrogel demonstrates excellent suitability for injectable applications due to its viscoelastic and shear-thinning properties, which facilitate easy deployment. In vitro tests showed that the hydrogel controls mupirocin release, enhancing antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and preventing biofilm formation. In vivo studies revealed significant improvements in wound healing, with the CMC/PVA/PDA/CDs/Mup formulation showing superior wound contraction, reduced bacterial presence, and enhanced tissue repair markers. While promising, the hydrogel’s safety and effectiveness in clinical settings require further validation through comprehensive human trials. The hydrogel's controlled mupirocin release and enhanced antibacterial activity significantly improve wound healing and tissue regeneration in preclinical models. However, further human clinical trials are essential to confirm its safety and efficacy for widespread clinical use.

Keywords:

Carbon dots , Hydrogel , Mupirocin , Polydopamine , Mice model