An injectable hydrogel dressing for controlled release of hydrogen sulfide pleiotropically mediates the wound microenvironment

J Mater Chem B. 2024 Jun 5;12(22):5377-5390. doi: 10.1039/d4tb00411f.

Abstract

The healing of scalded wounds faces many challenges such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, wound infection, and difficulties in vascular and nerve regeneration. Treating a single problem cannot effectively coordinate the complex regenerative microenvironment of scalded wounds, limiting the healing and functional recovery of the skin. Therefore, there is a need to develop a multi-effect treatment plan that can adaptively address the issues at each stage of wound healing. In this study, we propose a scheme for on-demand release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) based on the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the wound microenvironment. This is achieved by encapsulating peroxythiocarbamate (PTCM) in the ROS-responsive polymer poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-methionine) (PMet) to form nanoparticles, which are loaded into a thermosensitive injectable hydrogel, F127-poly(L-aspartic acid-N-hydroxysuccinimide) (F127-P(Asp-NHS)), to create a scald dressing. The H2S released by the hydrogel dressing on demand regulates the wound microenvironment by alleviating infection, reducing oxidative stress, and remodeling inflammation, thereby accelerating the healing of full-thickness scalded wounds. This hydrogel dressing for the adaptive release of H2S has great potential in addressing complex scalded wounds associated with infection and chronic inflammation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bandages
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemistry
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Hydrogels* / pharmacology
  • Hydrogen Sulfide* / chemistry
  • Hydrogen Sulfide* / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Sulfide* / pharmacology
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Particle Size
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Wound Healing* / drug effects

Substances

  • Hydrogen Sulfide
  • Hydrogels
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Polyethylene Glycols