Biofabricated Hydrogel Composite of Tragacanth Gum and Chitosan Loaded With Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cutaneous Wound Regeneration

Chronic wounds, often complicated by microbial growth and insufficient regeneration, pose a significant challenge. To address these issues, we developed a hydrogel dressing made from natural polymers, tragacanth gum (TG) and chitosan (CS), incorporated synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) to promote wound healing and inhibit microorganisms at the wound site. We synthesized CuO NPs using a reduction method with pomegranate peel extract and analyzed their characteristics. The TG/CS hydrogel was then prepared and loaded with the synthesized NPs, followed by relevant physicochemical analysis. The hydrogel's degradation rate and antibacterial activity were determined, and its effects on cell migration and viability in skin fibroblasts were evaluated using suitable methods. The synthesized CuO NPs showed nanometer dimensions (about 30-50 nm) with a consistent spherical morphology, and compositional analysis confirmed the presence of their constituent elements. The TG/CS hydrogel incorporating CuO NPs displayed a smooth and uniform appearance with a porous structure featuring interconnected micrometer-sized pores. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the functional groups of the hydrogel components and the presence of the NPs. Moreover, this hydrogel demonstrated high liquid absorption, porosity, and stable degradation over several days. It significantly inhibited the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The hydrogel containing 10 wt% CuO NPs stimulated fibroblast cell growth and, most importantly, accelerated wound healing by inducing cell migration and filling the scratch gap within 48 h. Overall, the natural TG/CS hydrogel containing CuO NPs has a high potential to expedite wound healing as a multifunctional wound dressing.