Abstract
This study presents a novel approach for treating chronic biofilm-associated infections by utilizing a gel-like hydrogel (HG1MB1) incorporating methylene blue (MB), a photosensitizer, to enhance photoinactivation of microbial biofilms. The key novelty of this work lies in the gel-like structure of HG1MB1, which significantly improves the penetration of MB into the deeper layers of the biofilm, promoting more effective disruption of the biofilm matrix. This improved uptake and interaction with the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm leads to a reduction in EPS and breakdown of the biofilm structure. Additionally, the hydrogel's ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light activation enhances its antimicrobial efficacy. HG1MB1 also demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against both bacterial and fungal biofilms, suggesting its potential as an effective treatment for chronic infections.