Preparation of an antibacterial dressing for simultaneous delivery of polyhexamethylene biguanide and platelet-rich plasma, and evaluation of the dressing's ability to promote infected skin repair

Slow wound healing caused by bacterial infection is a critical clinical challenge. Moreover, finding common preservatives that fulfill current medical requirements has proved difficult. Therefore, we designed a multifunctional wound dressing based on the hydrogen-bonded assembly of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)/platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The hydrogels were prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly procedure by repeated freeze–thaw cycles without a chemical crosslinking agent. Characterization studies revealed the outstanding stability of these composite hydrogels. Bacteriostatic ring experiments revealed that the PHMB-containing hydrogel possessed strong antibacterial effects. The hydrogel with PRP showed low cytotoxicity and significantly stimulated the proliferation of L929 fibroblasts, according to live/dead cell staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)− 5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)− 2-(4-sulfophenyl)− 2 H-tetrazolium (MTS) testing results. The PVA/PHMB/PRP composite dressing reduced inflammatory response, promoted epithelization, enhanced collagen production and vascular regeneration, and restored skin appendages in vivo. These results indicate that the PVA/PHMB/PRP wound dressing is a promising biological material with synergistic antibacterial and wound-healing functions. •Platelet-rich plasma derived from whole blood is a bioactive dressing with clinical potential for the treatment of wounds.•The composite hydrogel made up for the shortcomings of the original material in terms of mechanical properties, storage and service conditions.•Hydrogels were prepared by repeated freeze-thawing, without chemical cross-linking agents, and were environmentally friendly and less toxic.