Bioengineered Chitosan–Collagen–Honey Sponges: Physicochemical, Antibacterial, and In Vitro Healing Properties for Enhanced Wound Healing and Infection Control

Bacterial-mediated infections represent a major risk factor for chronic wounds. Numerous polymeric dressings have been proposed to reduce this incidence and promote wound healing. In the present investigation, chitosan/collagen/honey-based sponges were prepared by freeze-drying. The effect of honey incorporation at different concentrations on the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of the sponges was evaluated. The SEM images showed that the surface and cross-sections of all samples had a porous structure. The pore size gradually increased in the range of 78.14 to 126.9 μm due to the increase in honey content in the sponges. This property resulted in considerably higher porosity degrees (79.90-90.13%) and absorption rates (ranges of 1357-1665% in deionized water and 865-1938% in PBS solution) in honey-loaded systems. Conversely, the honey composite formulations exhibited a reduction in permeability, with WVTR values ranging from 131.01 to 99.39 gh^-1m^-2 and values of WVP from 0.3255 to 0.2118 gm^-1d^-1mm Hg^-1. The mechanical properties showed that adding honey made the sponges more flexible (12.49-7.95% MPa) but decreased elongation rates in the sponges (16.36-7.56%) due to higher pore heterogeneity. The antibacterial tests indicated that all treatments had inhibitory effects against <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, <i>E. coli</i>, and <i>L. monocytogenes</i>. The results from cells viability assays and in vitro healing models using human keratinocytes demonstrate that chitosan/collagen/honey sponges represent a potential alternative for applications such as wound dressings to help treat skin ulcers. The physicochemical, antibacterial, and biocompatibility properties of chitosan/collagen/honey sponges indicated their potential as a promising alternative for clinical use.