Double-network polyphenol chitosan hydrogels with instant aldehyde-β-cyclodextrin-based structure as potential for treating bacterially infected wounds

Treatment of multiple bacterial infected wounds by eliminating bacteria and promoting tissue regeneration remains a clinical challenge. Herein, dual-network hydrogels (CS-GA/A-β-CD) with snap-structure were designed to achieve curcumin immobilization, using gallic acid-grafted chitosan (CS-GA) and aldehyde-β-cyclodextrin (A-β-CD) crosslinked. A-β-CD were able to achieve rapid dissolution (≥222.35 mg/mL H₂O), and helped CS-GA/A-β-CD achieve rapid gelation (≤66.23 s). By adjusting the ratio of aldehyde groups of A-β-CD, mechanical properties and drug release can be controlled. CS-GA/A-β-CD/Cur exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. In vivo experiments demonstrated that CS-GA/A-β-CD/Cur achieved acute bacterial infection wound healing after 20th days, proving its great potential for wound dressing.