Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECF) are challenging to treat contributing to high morbidity and high mortality rates, significantly impacting the quality of life of the patients. Its susceptibility to antibiotic-resistant infections often leads to chronic inflammation, complicating treatment with conventional methods. Here, 18NC75-10P-1IL is reported, which is a multi-functional shear-thinning hydrogel comprised of gelatin and nanosilicates for injectability, an ionic liquid for bactericidal effects, and platelet rich fibrin fraction for pro-healing properties
this biomaterial is engineered for the treatment of ECFs. Through rigorous testing, the mechanical properties of 18NC75-10P-1IL were tailored for catheter injection to achieve durable occlusion of fistulous tracts under external pressures simulating clinical scenarios. 18NC75-10P-1IL demonstrated pro-healing effects and anti-microbial activity against highly resistant patient-derived bacteria known to be associated with ECF. Subcutaneous implantation and anorectal fistula models confirmed its biocompatibility, pro-healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties compared to control materials, suggesting promising potential for clinical translation in the treatment of human ECFs.