Accelerating the healing of infected full thickness excision wounds through the topical use of Pluronic F127 copolymer and Polyglutamic acid.

Abstract

Hydrogels have emerged as effective tools in medication delivery and tissue engineering due to their adjustable characteristics and water retention capabilities. The purpose of this work was to investigate the potential of a novel thermosensitive hydrogel composed of Pluronic F127 and polyglutamic acid (PGA) to enhance the treatment of MRSA-infected full-thickness excision wounds. The viscosity and gelation temperature of the hydrogels were evaluated using viscometry and rheometry, while their injectability was assessed with a texture analyzer. Swelling and biodegradation were measured in PBS at 37 °C, and antibacterial and antioxidant activity was determined using MIC/MBC tests and DPPH radical scavenging. In mouse infected wound healing investigations, hydrogels were applied to wounds, and tissue examination was done with Masson's Trichrome staining and biochemical assays for TAC and MDA. The F127/PGA hydrogel converted from a liquid to a gel at body temperature more efficiently than F127 alone, with lower gelation temperatures and improved mechanical characteristics. F127/PGA had higher swelling capacity and a slower degradation rate than F127. In antibacterial assays, the F127/PGA hydrogel showed stronger inhibitory and bactericidal activity against MRSA, as reflected by its lower MIC and higher MBC values. In addition, the hydrogel showed increased antioxidant activity and lower oxidative stress during wound healing, resulting in much better wound contraction and tissue regeneration than F127 and control treatments. These characteristics make F127/PGA an attractive choice for improved drug delivery systems and wound healing applications.