Alginate-Based Cryogels for Combined Chemo/Photothermal Antibacterial Therapy and Rapid Hemostasis

The study developed alginate-based cryogels incorporating Fe3+, sodium alginate (SA), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) for wound dressing applications, combining photothermal therapy (PTT) and pharmacotherapy for antibacterial effects. These cryogels demonstrated high antibacterial performance against E. coli and S. aureus, good hemostatic properties, and favorable biocompatibility. The cryogels' porous structure allowed for high water absorption, and the inclusion of EGCG provided natural antimicrobial properties. In vivo tests on S. aureus-infected rats confirmed the cryogels' ability to accelerate wound healing, with the SEF cryogel showing superior performance compared to controls. The SEF cryogel's hemostatic ability was significantly better than gauze, reducing blood loss and hemostatic time by over 80%. These findings suggested that SEF cryogels could be a promising candidate for future clinical applications in wound care.