Double-network polyphenol chitosan hydrogels with instant aldehyde-β-cyclodextrin-based structure as potential for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Treating bacterial infections in wounds while promoting tissue regeneration is a significant clinical challenge.
• Curcumin possesses therapeutic properties but requires effective delivery systems for wound applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize dual-network hydrogels (CS-GA/A-β-CD) for curcumin immobilization.
• To evaluate the hydrogels' properties, including gelation, mechanical strength, drug release, antimicrobial activity, and in vivo wound healing efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Gallic acid-grafted chitosan (CS-GA) and aldehyde-β-cyclodextrin (A-β-CD) were crosslinked to form dual-network hydrogels.
• Curcumin was immobilized within the hydrogel matrix (CS-GA/A-β-CD/Cur).
• Characterization included dissolution, gelation time, mechanical testing, drug release studies, antimicrobial assays against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, and in vivo wound healing models.

Main Results:

• The A-β-CD component demonstrated rapid dissolution and facilitated rapid gelation of the CS-GA/A-β-CD hydrogels.
• Mechanical properties and curcumin release kinetics were controllable by adjusting the A-β-CD aldehyde group ratio.
• CS-GA/A-β-CD/Cur exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial strains.
• In vivo studies showed complete acute bacterial infection wound healing by day 20.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-network hydrogels effectively immobilize curcumin and possess desirable properties for wound healing applications.
• CS-GA/A-β-CD/Cur hydrogels demonstrate significant potential as advanced wound dressings for treating infected wounds and promoting regeneration.