34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

This study evaluated a novel hydrogel containing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) designed for wound care and addresses the challenge of AMP instability in biological environments. The AMPs were covalently attached to a polymer matrix for stabilisation, creating a contact-killing hydrogel. Our goal was to offer an effective and safe alternative to traditional antibiotics and antiseptics for managing bacterial wound infections, particularly relevant in veterinary settings where antibiotic resistance is rising.

Methods:

AMPs were bonded to a soft amphiphilic polymer through covalent attachment and physical entanglement, forming a stable matrix that prevented AMP leaching and ensured sustained antibacterial activity. The material’s efficacy was tested in in vitro wound models, assessing bacterial killing efficiency, AMP retention in the presence of serum, cytotoxicity, and endotoxin neutralisation.

Results:

The hydrogel demonstrated over 99% killing efficiency against MRSA, MDR, and E. coli and retained activity for up to four days in 20% blood serum. The hydrogel also neutralised endotoxins from Pseudomonas aeruginosa while exhibiting no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. Veterinary trials in cats, dogs, and horses showed robust antibacterial effects across various surgical wounds, reinforcing its potential for clinical application.

Conclusions:
This AMP-embedded hydrogel provides stable and effective antimicrobial activity without AMP leaching or toxicity. Its strong performance in in vitro and in vivo veterinary models supports its promise as a safe alternative to conventional treatments for wound infections.