2D-2D MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ hybrid-loaded chitosan/PVA hydrogel for controlled curcumin delivery in diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds are often chronic, delaying healing and increasing amputation risk. Curcumin (CR), known for therapeutic benefits, has been explored for such wounds. This study developed a novel chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CP)-based hydrogel incorporating molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), and their 2D-2D hybrid (MoS₂/g-C₃N₄) for CR delivery. The hybrid was synthesized via facile sonication and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MoS₂/g-C₃N₄ significantly enhanced hydrogel mechanical strength and drug release. The CP/MoS₂/g-C₃N₄/CR hydrogel exhibited higher toughness (3.35 ± 0.10 GJ/m³) than CP/MoS₂/CR (1.53 ± 0.51 GJ/m³) and CP/CR (0.01 ± 0.00 GJ/m³), attributed to hydrogen bonding with the CP matrix. The hydrogel released 77.96 % CR within 4 days, outperforming CP/g-C₃N₄/CR due to greater hydrolytic degradation at pH 6.8. Release followed Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models, indicating diffusion and polymer swelling. The hybrid hydrogel also showed strong antioxidant activity (88.86 ± 0.07 % DPPH scavenging activity), antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative strains, and cytocompatibility (78 ± 2 % viability in L929 fibroblasts after 72 h). These findings suggest that CP/MoS₂/g-C₃N₄/CR hydrogel is a promising candidate for efficient CR delivery, potentially enhancing diabetic wound healing.