Multifunctional MMP9-responsive silicasomes-GelMA hydrogels with bacteria-targeting capability and tissue restoration function for chronic wound infection

Chronic infected wounds present significant challenges globally, as persistent bacterial colonization would lead to prolonged inflammation, impaired tissue repair, etc. This study describes a novel MMP-responsive GelMA hydrogel dispersed with AgNPs and Res co-loaded cationic silicasomes for chronic infected wound treatment. The resulting silicasomes-GelMA hydrogel could firmly adhere to the wound surface, rapidly absorb the blood and exudate from the wound. GelMA was gradually degraded by the over-expressed MMP9 enzymes in the wound environment. The released silicasomes could effectively eradicate MRSA by targeting bacterial cell walls and membranes, with intracellular bacterial clearance rate of 83.75%-88.14%, which promoted the angiogenesis and re-epithelialization process, reduced inflammatory response, and achieved nine times higher neovasculation and half shortened skin barrier regeneration period. Collectively, our designed silicasomes-GelMA hydrogel could achieve hemostasis, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, and tissue regeneration effects simultaneously by a single dose, and is a promising drug delivery platform for chronic infected wound therapy.