A functional dual responsive CMC/OHA/SA/TOB hydrogel as wound dressing to enhance wound healing

Within the clinical realm, the complexities of wound healing have consistently presented formidable challenges. Recent advancements, notably in hydrogel technologies, have broadened the therapeutic spectrum. This study focuses on investigating a novel dual responsive composite hydrogel for wound healing. This hydrogel is ingeniously designed to maintain an optimal moist environment, expedite healing, and combat bacterial infection during wound recovery. This study combining carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA), and sodium alginate (SA), in addition, tobramycin (TOB) was incorporated to create a CMC/OHA/SA/TOB hydrogel. Hydrogel cross-linking was verified by infrared spectroscopy, and the microstructure was examined with scanning electron microscopy. We explored its swelling and degradation behaviors in different pH environments. The drug release profile and biocompatibility was evaluated via cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays. The antibacterial efficacy of hydrogel was tested in both solid and liquid media. Additionally, the wound models in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat was employed to investigate the hydrogel's wound healing capabilities in vivo. Results showed that CMCOHA/SA/TOB hydrogel was effectively cross-linked with a network structure. The hydrogel exhibited pronounced responsiveness in its swelling and degradation characteristics, which was significantly influenced by different levels of pH. In vitro results demonstrated that the CMC/OHA/SA/TOB hydrogel exhibits limited cytotoxicity and hemolysis, coupled with a drug release profile of dual responsive characteristics. Antibacterial activity of the hydrogel against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was confirmed. Furthermore, in vivo experiments underscored the hydrogel's proficiency in promoting wound healing, highlighting its potential for clinical applications. The CMC/OHA/SA/TOB hydrogel not only fosters a moist environment essential for wound healing and enhances structural stability, but it also exhibits functional dual responsive capabilities in swelling and degradation. These distinctive abilities enable the precise release of TOB, thereby optimizing wound healing.