In vitro assessment of a smart peptide-polymer-complex hydrogel as wound dressing.

Abstract: Aim: A smart wound dressing peptide-polymer-complex hydrogel which responds to changes in wounds (MMPs and pH) to release an EDTA-metal ion complex was successfully manufactured. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxicity and antibiofilm efficacy of the smart hydrogel. Method: Peptide-polymer-complex hydrogels were prepared by mold-casting and air-dry technology. Cytotoxicity of hydrogels was analyzed by a direct contact assay with adult human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) and immortal human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Antibiofilm efficacy of the hydrogel dressing against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated using a wound dressing model in the drip flow bioreactor. Results / Discussion: Cytotoxicity results demonstrated selective peptide-polymer-complex hydrogels were low-/ non- cytotoxic to both HDFa and HaCaT. The cytotoxicity results also showed that selected peptide hydrogels can control the release of the complex from a polymer-peptide-complex platform in vitro. A 5-log reduction in P. aeruginosa biofilm following treatment with the hydrogel dressing was observed in comparison to an untreated control biofilm. This further confirmed the adequate release and function of the antibiofilm agent within the peptide-polymer-complex formulation of the hydrogel wound dressing. Conclusion: The smart peptide-polymer-complex hydrogel is non-/low- cytotoxic. The hydrogel showed potent antibiofilm efficacy against a P. aeruginosa biofilm in vitro. The data shows the potential for peptide-polymer-complex hydrogels to treat and eradicate biofilms with controlled-release of EDTA complexes as an antimicrobial agent.

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