Composite hydrogels with antioxidant and robust adhesive properties for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis

Abstract

Radiotherapy is a pivotal means of cancer treatment, but it often leads to radiation dermatitis, a skin injury caused by radiation-induced excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenging free radicals in the course of radiation therapy will be an effective means to prevent radiation dermatitis. This study demonstrates a novel double network hydrogel doped with MoS₂ nanosheets for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis. The resultant SPM hydrogel constructed from polyacrylamide (PAM) and sodium alginate (SA) nanofiber presented favorable mechanical and adhesion properties. It could conform well to the human body's irregular contours without secondary dressing fixation, making it suitable for skin protection applications. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the antioxidant properties conferred by MoS₂ nanosheets enable SPM to effectively mitigate excessive ROS and reduce oxidative stress, thereby preventing radiation dermatitis caused by oxidative damage. Biosafety assessments indicated good biocompatibility of the composite hydrogel, suggesting SPM's practicality and potential as an external dressing for skin radiation protection.