Thermoresponsive and Self-Healing Hydrogel Based on Chitosan Derivatives and Polyoxometalate as an Antibacterial Coating.

Hospital-acquired infections are a serious threat to the recovery of patients. To prevent such infections, an antibacterial coating is an effective method to eliminate bacterial colonization on healthcare-related surfaces. Herein, we report an antibacterial hydrogel composed of silver-containing polyoxometalate (AgP 5 W 30 POM) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The silver ion is encapsulated inside the POM cage and demonstrates long-lasting bacteriostasis after repeated exposure to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The chemical structure of chitosan derivatives, as well as the concentration and pH, is studied to tune the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. The hydrogel undergoes a gel-sol transition above the critical temperature and possesses self-healing ability. This hydrogel can be readily coated on the surface of versatile bulk materials, which is especially convenient for porous objects and resists the growth of Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In summary, we envision that the AgP 5 W 30 -CMC hydrogel has great potential to serve as an antibacterial coating to decrease the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections.