A Multifunctional β‐CD@Menthol/GGP@CNC Composite Hydrogel with Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Antioxidant/Antibacterial Properties

Abstract This study reports a composite hydrogel composed of ginseng peptides (GGP), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and menthol@β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD@Menthol). Characterization confirms the successful inclusion of menthol, enhances crystallinity, and a uniform porous structure. The β‐CD@Menthol/GGP@CNC hydrogel exhibits high mechanical strength (elongation 1495.4%, toughness 3320.0 kJ m −3 ), strong antioxidant activity (ABTS scavenging 90.9%), excellent swelling capacity (1198.3% in saline), and effective antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . These properties highlight its promise as a multifunctional wound dressing to combat infection and oxidative stress in chronic wounds.