Composite Polysaccharide Hydrogel Loaded with Scutellaria baicalensis Extract for Diabetic Wound Treatment

Diabetic wounds present significant burdens to both patients and the healthcare system due to their prolonged inflammatory phase and adverse microenvironment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly <i>Scutellaria baicalensis</i> extract (SE), has shown promise in wound healing. Herein, sesbania gum (SG) was oxidized and formed hydrogel with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through the imine bond. Then, SE was loaded into the hydrogel as a wound dressing (CMCS-OSG@SE hydrogel). In vitro experiments demonstrated the mechanical properties and ROS scavenging efficiency of the hydrogel, as well as the release of SE and its biocompatibility. In an vivo study, diabetic mice with <i>S. aureus</i> infection were used, and the CMCS--OSG@SE hydrogel dressing accelerated wound healing by promoting epidermal regeneration and collagen deposition. This composite polysaccharide hydrogel loaded with SE shows great potential for diabetic wound treatment.