A wound-healing hydrogel containing nanocapsules that responsively release antibiotics as required could counter infection by drug-resistant bacteria.

Wound healing is a multistep process. It includes an inflammatory phase during which the body clears away damaged tissue and attempts to eliminate microbes from the wound. During this phase, the wound area becomes more acidic, with its pH dropping from 7.4 to around 5.7.

Now, a team that included researchers from Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology in Thailand has developed silicon nanocapsules that contain two antibiotics: tetracycline and amoxycillin. The amoxycillin was released in a rapid burst at pH 7.4, and when the pH was lowered to pH 5.7, the tetracycline was also released. When the drug-loaded nanocapsules were incorporated into a hydrogel suitable for wound dressings, the material displayed excellent antibacterial properties against drug-resistant bacteria.

The sequential drug-release properties of the material could aid the healing process of wounds.