Host defense peptide-mimicking peptide polymer-based antibacterial hydrogel enables efficient healing of MRSA-infected wounds

Wound infections are a compelling health issue caused by the invasion and proliferation of pathogens in wound sites. Antibiotic-loaded hydrogels are widely used to achieve anti-infectious wound healing. However, due to the quick emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), wound infection has been a formidable challenge to human health. To address MRSA-infected wounds, an antibacterial peptide polymer-loaded hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel (Gel-HA@P) is prepared. The peptide polymer is designed to mimic host defense peptides as the antibiotic alternative showing potent antibacterial activity, low susceptibility to drug resistance and good stability against proteolysis. HA is biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel substrate as a primary constituent of the extracellular matrix and suitable for cell migration and wound healing. Gel-HA@P shows potent activity against MRSA in vitro and in vivo, low toxicity during the treatment and promotes the wound healing in vivo. This design has proven to be an effective and antibiotic-free strategy to enable the healing of MRSA-infected wounds.