Multifunctional sericin-protocatechualdehyde‑silver sulfadiazine bioactive hydrogel with dual antibacterial and antioxidant activities for managing chronic wounds

Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge, as bacterial infection and oxidative stress synergistically impede the healing process. There is a pressing need for multifunctional dressings that can concurrently eradicate pathogens and alleviate oxidative damage. To address this, we developed a novel multifunctional hydrogel (SPA) by crosslinking sericin (SS), protocatechualdehyde (PA), and silver sulfadiazine (AgSD). The SPA hydrogel integrates high transparency, excellent breathability, superior moisturizing capacity, tunable gelation kinetics, good elasticity, suitable adhesive strength and pH-responsive swelling/degradation/release. It exhibits potent free radical scavenging activity, achieving over 80% clearance of both DPPH and ABTS radicals, alongside broad-spectrum and powerful antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) , Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ), and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). Moreover, the hydrogel promotes excellent cell adhesion, cytocompatibility, and rapid hemostasis. In the S.aureus -infected chronic wound model, SPA significantly accelerated wound closure and enhanced tissue regeneration. This work presents an integrated therapeutic strategy that combines real-time visual observation, on-demand antibacterial action, and proactive repair facilitation, thereby underscoring the potential of natural biomaterials in advanced wound management.