Salicylic acid induces the formation of supramolecular antimicrobial hydrogels from worm-like micelles

Abstract

The incorporation of salicylic acid (SA) facilitates the gelation of worm-like micelles (WLMs) derived from sodium lauroyl glutamate (LGS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) under acidic conditions, thereby constructing a pH-responsive supramolecular hydrogel system. SA significantly enhances the transition from WLMs to the gel state, as evidenced by changes in the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G′′), highlighting its pivotal role in dynamic network crosslinking. The electrostatic interaction between CTAB and LGS provides a foundation for the formation of the LGS/CTAB/SA hydrogel. This study further elucidates the sustained release and antibacterial properties of SA as a drug molecule and assesses the antibacterial capabilities of various hydrogel formulations, thereby providing a robust theoretical and experimental foundation for the development of novel multifunctional supramolecular hydrogels.