Sodium alginate/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel loading antioxidant peptide YSQLENEFDR accelerates infected wound...

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wound sites can inhibit re-epithelialization and cause non-healing wounds. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop antioxidant wound dressings. Herein, we prepared a novel OCP hydrogel containing antioxidant peptide YSQLENEFDR, oxidized sodium alginate, and carboxymethyl chitosan. The hydrogel showed a porous structure and good water swelling property. Conveniently, OCP hydrogel could be injected onto irregular wounds through a syringe. The damaged hydrogel could heal in 10 min without any external influence. The conducted biological studies in vitro showed remarkable biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. In a rat model, OCP hydrogel significantly promoted the healing of bacteria-infected wounds. Histological study of wound tissues showed a reduced inflammation level, newly generated hair follicles, and distinct collagen accumulation. The biomarkers related to angiogenesis and anti-inflammation showed high expression levels. Summarizing, OCP hydrogel is an antioxidant wound dressing with potential for treatment of infected wounds.