A Versatile Dynamic Hydrogel Integrating pH-Responsive Visual Detection and Antimicrobial Functions for Infected Wound Management

Wound dressings capable of conforming to irregular wound surfaces, withstanding mechanical deformation, and visually monitoring local microenvironmental changes are highly desirable for infected wound management. Herein, a versatile composite hydrogel (PFPU/VCM/BTB) based on the selected PFPU3 formulation was developed for the visual monitoring and treatment of infected wounds. The hydrogel was constructed from aldehyde-functionalized Pluronic F-127 (PF127-(CHO)2) micelles and a multifunctional PMUA copolymer containing primary amine groups, phosphorylcholine units, and 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) motifs. Reversible imine bonds and UPy-mediated quadruple hydrogen bonds generated the dynamic network, whereas bromothymol blue (BTB) and vancomycin (VCM) supplied pH-responsive visual detection and antibacterial activity, respectively. The resulting hydrogel exhibited porous morphology, solid-like rheological behavior, self-healing capability, tissue adhesion, and injectability. It displayed visible color changes within the pH range of 5.8–7.4 and effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) viability. In addition, the hydrogel showed good cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility and promoted fibroblast migration. In a full-thickness infected skin wound model, the hydrogel treatment reduced residual wound area, enhanced epidermal regeneration, and promoted collagen deposition by day 12. This multifunctional hydrogel integrates visual monitoring and localizes antibacterial functions within a single dressing platform, providing a potential approach for infected wound management.