Designing Multifunctional Antibacterial Hydrogels: A Tri-Pillar Approach Based on Bacteriophages, Nanoparticles, and Natural Polymers
Summary: This 2026 review presents a tri-pillar strategy for designing advanced antibacterial hydrogels by integrating bacteriophages, nanoparticles, and natural polymers. The approach aims to achieve synergistic effects: phages provide targeted bacterial killing, nanoparticles enhance antimicrobial activity and biofilm penetration, and natural polymers offer biocompatibility, moisture retention, and controlled release. Such multifunctional hydrogels address key challenges in chronic wound management, including persistent infection, biofilm formation, and impaired healing. The review discusses formulation strategies, mechanisms of action, and translational potential for infected diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, and other hard-to-heal wounds, highlighting a promising path toward more effective, resistance-mitigating wound dressings.
Key Highlights:
- Tri-pillar design: bacteriophages + nanoparticles + natural polymers
- Synergistic antibacterial, antibiofilm, and pro-healing effects
- Potential applications in chronic and infected wounds including DFU
- Focus on biocompatibility and controlled release for clinical translation
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Keywords: antibacterial hydrogels, phage nanoparticle hydrogel, chronic wound dressings