Polyaniline-integrated composite hydrogel network with antioxidant defense, bacterial clearance and In vivo tissue...

Despite substantial progress, developing wound dressing that simultaneously address infection, oxidative stress, and tissue regeneration remains an active area of research. To address these concerns, we report the development of semi-interpenetrating hydrogel network comprised of polyacrylamide and chitosan, synthesized via a one-pot free radical polymerization. To enhance the therapeutic efficacy, hydrogel was loaded with polyaniline and retinyl palmitate. The developed hydrogel displayed excellent applicability, enabling easy administration at irregular wound sites. In vitro characterization confirmed hydrophilic nature and ability to scavenge reactive nitrogen species (> 90%), promoted cellular activity (L929 cells and red blood cells (< 5%)), mitigates infection risk (kills over 94% and 87% of the Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial population respectively), prevents biofilm formation, thereby offering a favorable microenvironment for rapid healing. Furthermore, in a rat full-thickness excisional wound model, the developed hydrogel markedly accelerated wound contraction (98.6%), epithelial closure, and collagen deposition (0.8 µg/mg). Overall, this multifunctional polyaniline/retinyl palmitate-integrated hydrogel offers a promising step forward in the development of advanced biomaterials for next generation wound care.