FNP-assisted bio-multifunctional hydrogels regulate hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway for treating skin infection wounds

The treatment of complicated infected skin wounds faces many challenges. The presence of stubborn bacterial biofilms is one of the key reasons why such wounds are difficult to heal, because the bacteria in the biofilms can resist multiple antimicrobial agents and delay the healing process by inhibiting the immune response. In order to effectively manage complicated infected wounds, we are developing a hydrogel dressing (CGOD-FNP) with multiple functions. These FNP-based phenolic network hydrogels can activate the PTT effect through near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation and inhibit iron ion metabolism to achieve dual mechanism antibacterial, thereby effectively removing bacterial biofilms. In addition, in the inflammatory response stage, the hydrogel exerts an immunomodulatory function by activating the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, effectively regulating the immune microenvironment of the wound, and finally showing excellent adhesion, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and tissue healing promotion in a mouse skin infection model. Therefore, CGOD-FNP will become a promising therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of complicated infection injuries.