A non-antibiotic antimicrobial, biomimetic hydrogel dressing based on synergistic titanium-organic cages and tannic acid for burn wound therapy

Burns are among the most severe acute injuries globally, and infections in wound tissue often hinder effective healing. The excessive use of antibiotics has worsened the issue of drug resistance, highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatments for burns. Titanium organic cages (TOCs) possess attractive photocatalytic antibacterial properties and low toxicity but are limited in wound healing applications due to their rigid crystalline structures. To address this, we developed an ECM-like composite hydrogel dressing (G-TPC/TA) by integrating a visible-light-responsive titanium organic cage (TPC) and tannic acid (TA) into a hyaluronic acid-dopamine network, designed to deliver synergistic antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-repair activities. TPC can achieve nearly 100% antibacterial effectiveness when exposed to visible light, while the sustained release of TA effectively regulates the inflammatory microenvironment. The HA-DA hydrogel with ECM-like microstructure provides tissue adhesion, self-healing ability, and can provide a physical barrier against wound infection. In vivo tests using a mouse burn model showed that the G-TPC/TA group achieved a 99.52% wound closure rate after 15 days, significantly outperforming the control group. This research presents a novel dressing solution that effectively combines antibacterial properties with tissue regeneration for treating burns infected by drug-resistant bacteria.