Synergistic phage-antibiotic functionalized advanced wound dressing for combating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Abstract Treatment of wound infections has been a matter of concern due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). To counter this problem, phage therapy has been revitalized as an alternative strategy to combat AMR. The present study aimed to fabricate phage (PAΦ)-gentamicin (GeN)-loaded biodegradable and biocompatible composite made from complex polysaccharides, chitosan and alginate, to thwart wound infections associated with PA. Chitosan-alginate (CA) scaffold was examined for in vitro attributes: water adsorption ability, antibacterial potential, and cell cytotoxicity. The findings revealed that 1:1 blended wound dressing exhibited ideal swelling index (1887%), protein adsorption (845.8 ± 47.1 µg/cm²), and biodegradability within 7 days (40.2 ± 4.31%), demonstrating hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. The dressing showed broad range antibacterial activity against standard and clinical strains of PA, which was stable up to 6 months. Further, the CA composite containing GeN and PAΦ was capable of eliminating PA infection within 21 days alongside enhancing the process of wound healing in a thermal injury infection model. In summary, advanced wound dressings loaded with phage and/or drug harbouring antimicrobial activity and wound healing potential can prove to be a promising alternative to traditional cotton gauges and existing wound care products.