MMP-Responsive Bioactive Glass-Incorporated Hydrogels with Enhanced Antibacterial and Angiogenic Performance for Infected Wound Healing

Abstract

Chronic wounds are difficult to heal due to complex pathological features such as bacterial infection, abnormal expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and impaired angiogenesis, posing a serious threat to public health. To address this challenge, this study designed a hydrogel dressing with MMP-responsive, pro-angiogenic, and antibacterial functionalities. The system is constructed via Michael addition reaction between tetra-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide and an MMP-specific responsive dithiol peptide crosslinker CPLGLC, and doped with bioactive glass (BG) to form a composite hydrogel system capable of responding to the microenvironment and releasing active ions. This hydrogel presents excellent injectability and self-healing properties, allowing it to conform to irregular wounds and maintain a moist environment. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that incorporating BG not only enhanced the hydrogel's ability to promote neovascularization, cell migration, and collagen deposition but also endowed it with antibacterial capabilities, ultimately accelerating the healing process of chronically infected wounds. This study provides an effective strategy for the treatment of infected wounds.