Multibiofunctional Self-healing Adhesive Injectable Nanocomposite Polysaccharide Hydrogel.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels are crucial for addressing healthcare challenges due to their therapeutic potential.
• Key properties like self-healing, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant capacity are vital for effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel self-healing injectable hydrogel composite.
• To incorporate biofunctional nanomaterials, specifically folic acid-functionalized copper oxide nanosheets (F-CuO), for enhanced therapeutic effects.

Main Methods:

• A hydrogel composite was formulated using alginate aldehyde (Ox-Alg), quaternized chitosan (QCS), and adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH).
• Gelation was achieved under physiological conditions through dynamic Schiff base cross-linking.
• Copper oxide nanosheets functionalized with folic acid (F-CuO) were integrated into the hydrogel matrix.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogel exhibited rapid self-healing capabilities and mechanical robustness.
• Significant antimicrobial activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability were observed.
• The F-CuO-embedded hydrogel demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and in vitro wound healing efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The F-CuO nanosheet cross-linked injectable hydrogel composite is a promising multifunctional biomaterial.
• This novel hydrogel offers potential solutions for various clinical challenges, particularly in wound healing and infection control.