Thermosensitive polymer hydrogel loaded with nitric oxide for the treatment of superficial fungal infections

Superficial fungal infections, refering to infections of the skin and soft tissues caused by fungi invading superficial areas of the human body such as the skin and nails, predominantly by dermatophytes like Trichophyton and yeasts. Traditional antifungal treatments face limitations such as resistance, irritation, and compliance issues. Nitric oxide (NO) has gained attention for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, but its volatility and uncontrolled release hinder medical use. Thus, loading NO into suitable carriers for sustained release has become a solution. In this study, a thermosensitive hydrogel wound dressing NO@CS@β-GP (NO@CP) is prepared. Chitosan (CS) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) with excellent biocompatibility, degradability, and tunability are used as the hydrogel framework to provide an ideal platform for NO loading and release, which is promising for the treatment of fungal skin infections.