The Acid-Buffered Engineered Gel Promotes In Vitro Cutaneous Healing and Fights Resistant Bacteria in Wounds

<b>Background</b>: Treatment of cutaneous wound infections is becoming a major clinical challenge due to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance associated with existing wound treatments. Two prevalent pathogens in wound infections, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>) and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (<i>P. aeruginosa</i>), continue to present a serious challenge, underscoring the critical need for new therapeutic alternatives. <b>Methods</b>: Novel alginate acid-buffered gels (ABF-1, ABF-2, and ABF-3) were developed using a combination of organic acids in various concentrations and buffered at a pH of 4.5. The acid-buffering capacity of the gels was evaluated against sodium hydroxide solution and simulated wound fluid (SWF) at different wound pHs, mimicking infected and non-infected wound environments. The in vitro antibacterial activity was assessed against resistant bacterial strains (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) using a microdilution method and wound biofilm assay. The rheological properties and cell viability of the gels were evaluated and the gel showing positive cell viability was further investigated for healing ability using an in vitro wound scratch assay. <b>Results</b>: The gels showed promising in vitro antibacterial activity against <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>, and <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. Gels with higher acid concentrations (ABF-1 and ABF-2) were highly effective in reducing the bacterial load in chronic biofilms of <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, while the gel with a lower acid concentration (ABF-3) showed positive effects on the viability of skin cells (over 80% cells viable) and for promoting wound closure. All three gels demonstrated excellent acid-buffering capabilities. <b>Conclusions</b>: The acid-buffered gels demonstrate promising in vitro antibacterial effects, indicating their potential for enhancing wound healing.