Bacteriophage-Delivering Hydrogels for Treating Staphylococcus aureus -Infected Chronic Wounds

In the 21st century, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens is recognised as a top 10 global health threat. The threat of AMR is significant due to limited development of new antibiotics and is projected to account for 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Staphylococcus aureus , commonly associated with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), is frequently AMR. The need for novel therapeutics has renewed interest in phages as an alternative antibacterial treatment. In SSTIs, phages are commonly delivered as liquid suspensions that do not provide controlled release and are prone to spillage. Phage–delivering hydrogels are being explored because they offer controlled phage release, support wound healing, and can be readily integrated into clinical workflows. This review analyses in vitro , in vivo , and clinical studies assessing the efficacy of phage–delivering hydrogels for treatment of S. aureus– infected wounds.