A chronic state biostimuli-responsive therapeutic model system: applications to skin tissue repair and regeneration

We report on the elaboration of a biocompatible therapeutic model system (TMS) capable of detecting the state of chronicity of a wound and responding to the latter by releasing the appropriate healing agent (antibiotic but not only). Different formulations of PVA-borate hydrogel systems containing methylene blue (MB) and levofloxacin (L) drug antibiotic were prepared. We were able to demonstrate sensitivity to microenvironmental factors such as pH, and high levels of ROS – a major biomarker of a chronic inflammation state. Furthermore, these reversible gels “open” and enact an ROS triggered drug delivery response. These results are promising in that they provide a potent wound dressing layer capable of sensing the chronic state of a wound and responding conditionally to the latter by delivering the appropriate amount of drug only when required. Furthermore, our system may be optimized for chronic wound dressing healing and promote better wound care by limiting unnecessary overexposure of the patient to the antibiotic. Our system provides a potent novel tool to the arsenal of existing strategies aiming at combatting bacterial resistance to antibiotics – a global societal challenge. Our results additionally confirmed good biocompatibility for skin tissue regeneration.