Next-Generation Hydrogels with pH-Triggered Nanoparticle Release for Optimized Burn Wound Treatment

Next-Generation Hydrogels with pH-Triggered Nanoparticle Release for Optimized Burn Wound Treatment

Abstrakt

Burns are common but challenging injuries, often causing delayed healing, pain, and complications like infection and sepsis. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlights the need for advanced biomaterials to deliver antibacterial agents directly to infected burn wounds, yet few pH-responsive systems are designed for the alkaline conditions (pH 7.2–8.9) of these wounds. In this study, we developed a novel albumin-based hydrogel with pH-sensitive properties, designed to facilitate the controlled release of antibacterial nanoparticles. The hydrogel was synthesized using bovine serum albumin with a non-toxic crosslinking agent, incorporating glycerol and/or urea to enhance its structural and mechanical properties. Rheological and atomic force microscopy analysis revealed composition-dependent gelation times, with glycerol enhancing stiffness and urea softening the hydrogel. Real-time swelling and degradation studies confirmed pH-responsive behavior, with faster nanoparticle release at higher pH levels (pH 8.5). Real-time swelling behavior, assessed using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, confirmed a pronounced response to pH changes mimicking the infected wound environment. These findings highlight the hydrogel's potential as a next-generation wound care material, offering targeted antibacterial therapy for infected burns. Future work may explore using patient-derived plasma for enhanced clinical applicability.

Burns are common but challenging injuries, often causing delayed healing, pain, and complications like infection and sepsis. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlights the need for advanced biomaterials to deliver antibacterial agents directly to infected burn wounds, yet few pH-responsive systems are designed for the alkaline conditions (pH 7.2–8.9) of these wounds. In this study, we developed a novel albumin-based hydrogel with pH-sensitive properties, designed to facilitate the controlled release of antibacterial nanoparticles. The hydrogel was synthesized using bovine serum albumin with a non-toxic crosslinking agent, incorporating glycerol and/or urea to enhance its structural and mechanical properties. Rheological and atomic force microscopy analysis revealed composition-dependent gelation times, with glycerol enhancing stiffness and urea softening the hydrogel. Real-time swelling and degradation studies confirmed pH-responsive behavior, with faster nanoparticle release at higher pH levels (pH 8.5). Real-time swelling behavior, assessed using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, confirmed a pronounced response to pH changes mimicking the infected wound environment. These findings highlight the hydrogel's potential as a next-generation wound care material, offering targeted antibacterial therapy for infected burns. Future work may explore using patient-derived plasma for enhanced clinical applicability.

Nanoparticles, infected burns, ph-sensitive, hydrogel

Nanoparticles, infected burns, ph-sensitive, hydrogel

POLÁKOVÁ, V.; PŘIBYL, J.; OBOŘILOVÁ, R.; VRANA, Š.; FOHLEROVÁ, Z.; VOJTOVÁ, L.

29.07.2025

Krakow, Poland

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