Collagen–Chitosan Composites Enhanced with Hydroxytyrosol for Prospective Wound Healing Uses

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Recent studies highlight the excellent wound-healing properties of collagen and chitosan materials. Combining these polymers with a bioactive compound could enhance their effectiveness as next-generation wound dressings. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), an antioxidant derived from olive oil, may aid wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and angiogenesis-stimulating properties, making it a beneficial addition to collagen-chitosan dressings. It could be a beneficial addition to collagen-chitosan dressings, thus improving their therapeutic effects. This study screens the potential of collagen-chitosan composites with HT for wound-healing applications and assesses the influence of the compound's incorporation on the materials' properties. <b>Methods:</b> The material production involved incorporating chitosan and HT into a marine collagen extract. The resulting collagen-chitosan-HT material was obtained through freeze-drying. Prototype dressing characterization included morphology by scanning electron microscopy, solid and hydrated state by textural and rheological studies, and in vitro HT release studies. The materials' cytocompatibility screening was assessed using a mouse fibroblast cell line, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated against microorganisms commonly implicated in wound infections. <b>Results:</b> Burst strength, viscosity, frequency sweep test, tackiness, and adhesion results indicate that chitosan contributes to the material's mechanical robustness by maintaining a high viscosity and preserving the material's gel structure. The in vitro release studies suggest an HT-controlled release profile with a maximum release (70%) achieved after 10 h. Biological experiments confirmed the materials' cytocompatibility with skin cells and very promising antibacterial efficacy against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. <b>Conclusions:</b> In conclusion, HT was successfully incorporated into a collagen-chitosan matrix, enhancing the therapeutic prospect of the resultant material. The collagen-chitosan-HT composite presents a promising potential as an advanced wound-healing material.