Eutectogel-based biomimetic barrier with network-structure-transformation-activated defensive and reparative functions for infected wounds

Abstract

The skin protects the living body by acting as a physical barrier against pathogens and by repairing itself. This property has inspired the development of novel biomimetic barrier materials for treating open wounds. Emerging eutectogels have great potential for fabricating biomimetic barriers due to the customizability of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and the extensive molecular interactions inside the network. Herein, we develop a eutectogel-based biomimetic barrier composed of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and carvacrol (CA). The network structure transformation process under an aqueous environment activates the bacteria-defence activity and the release of a reparative component, mimicking the skin's protection and self-repairing functions. Experimental and computational data reveal that this process is due to the different affinity of SBMA toward various molecules. During the transformation process, the biomimetic barrier not only protects a simulated wound from bacterial invasion owing to the formation of a zwitterionic hydration layer but also shows excellent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities due to the release of CA molecules. Benefitting from its network-structure-transformation-activated biomimicking functions, the proposed eutectogel demonstrates enhanced wound-healing efficacy (97.8% healing area at day 12) in an infected wound model. This work introduces a novel class of eutectogel material that merges barrier mimicry with therapeutics delivery to serve as a protective barrier for the treatment of open wounds.