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All-in-One: A Multifunctional Chitosan-Based Hydrogel for Wound Management
Shaohua Xiong1, Chaoxing Chen1, Zikang Yang1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Medical College, Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
Biomacromolecules
|April 21, 2026
Summary
New multifunctional hydrogels made from chitosan, carbon nanotubes, and protocatechualdehyde offer advanced wound healing. These smart dressings provide antibacterial properties, electrical conductivity for sensing, and promote rapid wound closure in mice.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Hydrogel dressings are promising for treating bacterial skin wound infections.
- Developing advanced wound care materials with multiple functionalities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create multifunctional hydrogels for integrated wound management.
- To combine therapeutic properties with bioelectronic sensing capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Incorporating carbon nanotubes and protocatechualdehyde into a thiolated chitosan network.
- Characterizing hydrogel adhesion, detachment, antioxidant activity, electrical conductivity, and stability.
- Evaluating antibacterial efficacy under near-infrared (NIR) light and in a mouse wound model.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels showed tunable adhesion, restorable antioxidant activity (~80%), and electrical conductivity (0.009–0.027 S/m).
- NIR light induced mild photothermal antibacterial effects (up to 99.9% rate) with a temperature increase to 48°C.
- In vivo, NIR-irradiated hydrogels achieved ~99.9% wound closure by day 9, surpassing commercial ointments.
Conclusions:
- Developed multifunctional hydrogels offer a comprehensive strategy for advanced wound management.
- The integrated system combines therapeutic benefits with smart bioelectronic sensing.
- This biomass-based approach shows significant potential for future wound care solutions.
