Antibiofilm and pH-Responsive Properties of Nature-Derived Mucin Biomaterials and Their Potentials for Chronic Wound Care

Abstract

The increasing inadequacy of traditional wound dressings and antibiotic-based treatments due to the rise in drug resistance calls for the development of alternative wound care strategies. Inspired by the stability and protective properties of gastric mucus under extreme conditions, we report the obtention method and evaluation of nature-derived mucin with potential application as an alternative to antibiotics in the early stages of chronic wounds. This nature-derived mucin modulates its structure in response to pH changes in the range of the pH fluctuations in chronic wounds, which could be further harnessed to develop smart responsive wound dressings. Notably, the mucin extract demonstrates promising biocompatibility, and ability to delay bacterial growth and disrupt bacterial biofilms. The chemical diversity and versatility of nature-derived mucin not only augments the functional variety of existing materials but also offers an innovative avenue for addressing the challenges associated with chronic wound care.

Keywords: Chronic wound care, nature-inspired biomaterial, antibiofilm, pH-responsive biomaterial, mucin