Preparation of a nanocomposite hydrogel with high adhesion, toughness, and inherent antibacterial properties by a one-pot method

In the biomedical field, it is challenging to develop a multifunctional hydrogel with superior tissue adhesion, cell compatibility, inherent antibacterial properties, and excellent mechanical properties. Herein, we designed a material system with a synergistic effect and prepared a multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel using a one-pot method, with N-maleyl dopamine (MDA), montmorillonite (MMT), chitosan-N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride (HACC), and acrylamide as materials. As a nanofiller, montmorillonite enhanced the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, achieving superior tensile strength (47 KPa), considerable tensile strain (660%), and desired compressive property. The cations exchange between HACC and MMT promoted the uniform dispersion of MMT to synthesize hydrogels with a consistent structure. Antibacterial test results of hydrogels showed an excellent inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli (> 96%) and Staphylococcus aureus (> 98%). Moreover, these nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited excellent biocompatibility (> 88%) and superior adhesion (> 14 KPa), making them ideal as wound dressing materials. The full-thickness skin defect experiments in mice showed that nanocomposite hydrogel dressings significantly accelerated wound closure and promoted tissue regeneration and collagen deposition.