Poly(levodopa)-Modified β-(1 → 3)-D-Glucan Hydrogel Enriched with Triangle-Shaped Nanoparticles as a Biosafe Matrix with Enhanced Antibacterial Potential

Biomaterials derived from natural-origin polymers often lack the desired functionality and additional features, such as antibacterial properties, which could be beneficial in the design of modern wound dressings. Our research aimed to fabricate biosafe antibacterial dressings through the modification of curdlan-based hydrogels with triangle-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgTNPs) and poly(L-DOPA) (PL). The prepared hydrogels, including physicochemical, structural, biological, and antibacterial assessments, were thoroughly characterized. All formulations were confirmed to be non-toxic toward eukaryotic cells. The presence of PL in the hydrogels significantly reduced mortality in the zebrafish larvae model, highlighting the improved biocompatibility of the hydrogels. The three-component hydrogel (CUR-PL-AgT) demonstrated a high antibacterial effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the same three-component material outperformed a hydrogel containing only AgTNPs in promoting blood clot formation. Furthermore, PL enhanced the heat generating capability of hydrogels, showing their potential in medical applications where the temperature effects can stimulate biological processes of different natures.