Theranostic polyaniline-integrated N-acetyl-L-cysteine hydrogel for synergistic photothermal antibacterial therapy and enhanced cell migration

Bacterial infections continue to pose a significant global health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches that combine antibacterial efficacy with photothermal treatment modalities. In this study, we report a theranostic multifunctional hydrogel (APQ@NH), comprising Asiatic acid (AA)-doped polyaniline (PANi) loaded with quercetin (Q), and incorporated into an N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)-based hydrogel matrix, for in vitro antibacterial and photothermal applications. The APQ@NH hydrogel exhibits excellent rheological stability and controlled, sustained drug release behavior, ensuring prolonged antibacterial activity. Upon near-infrared 808 nm laser irradiation, the APQ@NH hydrogel effectively generates localized hyperthermia, facilitating membrane disruption and enhancing the intracellular delivery of antibacterial agents. The photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of APQ@NH was calculated to be 21.7% under 808 nm laser irradiation, confirming its effective photothermal capability. This synergistic system exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, resulting in substantial bacterial eradication. Additionally, in vitro studies confirmed the hydrogel’s ability to promote cell migration, further supporting its potential for wound healing applications.