Cur-EGCG-Fe coordination nanoparticle-functionalized gelatin hydrogel biointerfaces for antibacterial and inflammatory microenvironment-regulatory wound repair.

Authors

Jianmei Han, Xiaoyan Liu, Yafan Wan, Zheqing An, Shuai Li, Dejian Li, Jian Liao

Published in

Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces. Volume 269. Pages 116227. Oct 02, 2026. Epub Oct 02, 2026.

Abstract

Bacterial colonization, oxidative stress, and persistent inflammation jointly impair infected wound healing. Here, curcumin (Cur)-containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-Fe coordination nanoparticles (CEF NPs) were incorporated into gelatin through Fe^3 +-mediated interactions. The resulting hydrogels (Gel/CEF) exhibited injectability, self-healing behavior, a porous structure, and favorable hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. Under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, Gel/CEF3 generated heat and reduced viable Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro. Gel/CEF3 extracts decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in H₂O₂-challenged fibroblasts. They also preserved superoxide dismutase activity and improved cell migration. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, Gel/CEF3 extracts decreased the proportion of CD86-positive cells and increased CD206-positive cells, supporting a shift toward an M2-like phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of TNF and NOD-like receptor signaling-associated gene sets. Protein analyses further showed reduced levels of NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and GSDMD, supporting attenuation of an NLRP3-associated inflammatory profile. In S. aureus-infected full-thickness wounds, Gel/CEF3 reduced culturable bacterial burden during the early treatment phase and accelerated wound closure, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. These effects were more pronounced with NIR treatment and were accompanied by improvements in local oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Major-organ histology and serum biochemical assessments revealed no apparent systemic toxicity at day 14. These findings support Gel/CEF as a metal-phenolic hydrogel platform that combines NIR-responsive antibacterial activity with redox regulation and macrophage-associated inflammatory modulation for S. aureus-infected wound repair.

PMID:
42828924
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 04 Oct 2026.

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