Mussel-Inspired Adhesive Polydopamine-Functionalized Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel with Potential Bacterial Inhibition

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels have been receiving increasing attention for wound management. However, pure HA hydrogels usually exhibit weak mechanical strength and poor anti-infection. Herein, a hybrid HA-based hydrogel (PDA-HA) comprised of polydopamine (PDA) and thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) is developed based on the Michael addition reaction. The introduction of PDA into HA hydrogel can decrease the critical gel concentration, improve the cell affinity and tissue adhesion, as well as endow the hydrogel with efficient free-radical scavenging ability. Combining the merits of good biocompatibility and moist environment from HA hydrogel with excellent tissue adhesiveness and free radical scavenging capability from PDA, this cross-linked PDA-HA hybrid hydrogel exhibits great potential for creating antimicrobial wound medical dressings.