Dual network composite hydrogels with robust antibacterial and antifouling capabilities for efficient wound healing.

Wound dressings play a critical role in the wound healing process; however, conventional dressings often address singular functions, lacking versatility in meeting diverse wound healing requirements. Herein, dual-network, multifunctional hydrogels (PSA/CS-GA) have been designed and synthesized through a one-pot approach. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the optimized hydrogels have exceptional antifouling properties, potent antibacterial effects and rapid hemostatic capabilities. Notably, in a full-thickness rat wound model, the hydrogel group displays a remarkable wound healing rate exceeding 95% on day 10, surpassing both the control group and the commercial 3M group. Furthermore, the hydrogels exert an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing inflammatory factors interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), enhance the release of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to promote blood vessel proliferation, and augment collagen deposition in the wound, thus effectively accelerating wound healing in vivo . These innovative hydrogels present a novel and highly effective approach to wound healing.