Multifunctional Hydrogel with Photothermal ROS Scavenging and Antibacterial Activity Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract Poor diabetic wound healing poses a critical threat to human health. Excessive oxidative stress and increased susceptibility to bacterial infection are key issues that impede diabetic wound healing. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) have attracted increasing attention because of their unique antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Here, this work designs a near‐infrared (NIR) light‐responsive gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/CeO₂/polydopamine (PDA) hydrogel with antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The hydrogel exhibits a stable, efficient, and controllable photothermal conversion capacity under NIR stimulation. The hydrogel can be used to construct a local microenvironment conducive to chronic diabetic wound healing. Significant antibacterial effects of the NIR‐responsive GelMA/CeO₂/PDA hydrogel on both Escherichia coli (E.coli) and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are demonstrated by counting colony‐forming units (CFUs) and in bacterial live/dead staining experiments. The strong antioxidant activity of hydrogels is demonstrated by measuring the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effect of the NIR‐responsive GelMA/CeO₂/PDA hydrogel in terms of promoting diabetic wound healing is validated in full‐thickness cutaneous wounds of diabetic rat models. Additionally, this work describes the mechanism by which the NIR‐responsive GelMA/CeO₂/PDA hydrogel promotes diabetic wound healing; the hydrogel inhibits the interleukin (IL)‐17 signaling pathway. This NIR‐responsive, multifunctional hydrogel dressing provides a targeted approach to diabetic wound healing.