HClO/ClO^–‑Indicative Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogels as Intelligent Bioactive Materials for Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex biological process, and the use of wound dressings is an effective adjunct to promote skin repair or tissue healing due to the limitations of skin self-healing. In this study, we constructed interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels with HClO/ClO^– indicative and biocompatible properties by combining sodium alginate (SA) and cross-linking RhB-AC. This hydrogel can also be used as a drug scaffold for controlled drug release. A significant fluorescence change was observed when hypochlorous acid was added to the hydrogel in vitro, which confirmed that the IPN hydrogel was able to indicate and consume a certain amount of hypochlorous acid. Subsequent cell culture and toxicity tests confirmed the good biocompatibility of the IPN hydrogel. When the hydrogel was used for wound healing in vivo, both the material itself and the hydrogel drug scaffold exhibited excellent wound healing effects. The present IPN hydrogels may be excellent candidates as hypochlorous acid consuming and biocompatible materials for wound dressing applications.