The OEGMA-based hydrogel is active against all species of the ESKAPE pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans

Abstract

Abstract Wound dressings serve as a crucial first barrier against microbial contamination, particularly in severe wounds requiring rapid antimicrobial protection. Building on our previously established hydrogel system based on copolymers of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) crosslinked during quaternization with 1,6-dibromohexane, we extend the biological evaluation of this material to a broader spectrum of clinically relevant pathogens. The hydrogel was assessed against the complete multidrug resistant ESKAPE group, the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutans , and the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans . Pronounced contact-mediated antimicrobial activity was observed against all tested organisms, resulting in a significant reduction of microbial viability. In detail, C. albicans and P. aeruginosa viability was reduced to 30.25% and 25.34%, respectively, whereas all other strains exhibited < 5% residual viability compared to untreated controls. A. baumannii and K. quasipneumoniae retained 4.32% and 2.73% viable cells, while absolute eradication was achieved for E. faecalis VRE , S. aureus and S. mutans . Importantly, the material retained excellent biocompatibility, showing no adverse effects on mammalian skin fibroblasts or human blood cells. The combination of broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, biological compatibility, and a robust yet simple fabrication approach highlights the potential of this hydrogel as a promising candidate for wound dressing applications, including emergency wound care in critical injury settings.