Delayed wound healing induced by bacterial infection and a persistent inflammatory response remains a great clinical challenge.Herein, we reported a paintable, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory Nap-F3K-CA (Nap-Phe-Phe-Phe-Lys-Caffeic Acid) hydrogel for burn wound management based on caffeic acid (CA)-functionalized short peptides (Nap-Phe-Phe-Phe-Lys).Hydrogels are assembled by non-covalent interactions between gelators, and Lotion Mist the incorporation of CA promotes the self-assembly of the hydrogel.After being applied to burn wounds, the hydrogel effectively adapted to irregular wound beds and maintained a moist protective environment at the wound.The Nap-F3K-CA hydrogel can scavenge ROS to relieve oxidative damage and downregulate proinflammatory levels.
The Nap-F3K-CA hydrogel also displayed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which reduced the incidence of Connector Wire wound infections.Moreover, the hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility and hemostatic function.In vivo experiments demonstrated that the Nap-F3K-CA hydrogel significantly accelerated the repair of the skin structure including promoting collagen deposition, vascular regeneration, and hair follicle formation.These findings proved the clinical application potential of the Nap-F3K-CA hydrogel as a promising burn wound dressing.