Smart Asymmetric Hydrogel with Integrated Multi‐Functions of NIR‐Triggered Tunable Adhesion, Self‐Deformation, and Bacterial Eradication

Abstract

Multifunctional hydrogels acting as wound dressing have received extensive attention in soft tissue repair; however, it is still a challenge to develop a non-antibiotic-dependent antibacterial hydrogel that has tunable adhesion and deformation to achieve on-demand removal. Herein, an asymmetric adhesive hydrogel with near-infrared (NIR)-triggered tunable adhesion, self-deformation, and bacterial eradication is designed. The hydrogel is prepared by the crosslinking polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid, during the sedimentation of conductive PPy-PDA nanoparticles based on the polymerization of pyrrole (Py) and dopamine (DA). Due to the conversion capacity from NIR light into heat for PPy-PDA NPs, the formed temperature-sensitive hydrogel exhibits tissue adhesive as well as NIR-triggered tunable adhesion and self-deformation property, which can achieve an on-demand dressing refreshing. Systematically in vitro/in vivo antibacterial experiments indicate that the hydrogel shows excellent disinfection capability to both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The in vivo experiments in a full-layer cutaneous wound model demonstrate that the hydrogel has a good treatment effect to promote wound healing. Overall, the asymmetric hydrogel with tunable adhesion, self-deformation, conductive, and photothermal antibacterial activity may be a promising candidate to fulfill the functions of adhesion on skin tissue, easy removing on-demand, and accelerating the wound healing process.