Zn 2 + -triggered mineralized hydrogel for enhanced deep burn wound healing

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The development of advanced wound healing materials for deep burn injuries remains a crucial challenge in biomedical fields. Here, we developed a multifunctional mineralized hydrogel dressing composed of sodium hyaluronate (HA), Rhein, and Zn2+ (denoted as HRZn hydrogel) for enhanced deep burn wound healing. The HRZn hydrogel was readily prepared by directly mixing HA, Rhein, and Zn2+ and formed through a synergistic combination of in situ mineralization and dynamic crosslinking processes. Notably, we showed that Zn2+ could effectively induce the formation of Rhein nanofibers with the assistance of HA. This unique structure not only strengthened the hydrogel’s mechanical properties, but also endowed the HRZn hydrogel with sustained release ability towards Rhein and Zn2+. Leveraging the synergistic effects of Rhein and Zn2+, the HRZn hydrogel exhibited potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties. In vivo experiments demonstrated its efficacy in promoting the healing of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-infected deep burn wounds, highlighting its potential as an advanced wound dressing. Overall, this study presents a promising strategy for the development of multifunctional hydrogels tailored for the treatment of complex burn injuries.