Preparation of Rapid Self-Healing Hyaluronic Acid–Based Hydrogels via Dynamic Covalent Bonds for Drug Delivery Systems

Rapid self-healing hydrogels with superior mechanical properties are the most common carrier materials for drug release. In this study, hydrazide hyaluronic acid (DHA) was introduced into the reaction system of quaternary ammonium chitosan (QCS) and aldehyde hyaluronic acid (OHA). The hydrogels were synthesized by the "one-pot" method without additional toxic cross-linking agents. This approach enabled the formation of strong interactions through multiple dynamic covalent bonds (disulfide bond, imine bond, and acylhydrazone bond) and hydrogen bonds. The hydrogels demonstrated a rapid self-healing capability, achieving a 97% healing efficiency within just 10 min, and they also exhibited a compressive stress of 597 KPa. In addition, the hydrogels exhibited sensitive pH responsiveness and sustained drug release behavior. They also exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, the hydrogel exhibits great potential in the biomedical field.