Self‐Healing, Antibacterial, and Cytocompatible Hydrogel Dressings Based on Chitosan and Dextran With Incorporation of <scp>EGCG</scp> for Macrophages Polarization

ABSTRACT The regulation of macrophage polarization is an emerging strategy for biomaterials implanted in vivo to accelerate wound tissue regeneration. In this study, a self‐healing hydrogel was developed using a polysaccharide‐based system formed via a Schiff base reaction between proline‐functionalized chitosan (CS‐Pr) and oxidized dextran (Odex), with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) incorporated into the polymer network. EGCG in the hydrogels exhibited not only the capacity to facilitate the transformation of macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype but also excellent ROS‐scavenging activity. Additionally, the hydrogels demonstrated concentration‐dependent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus . The antibacterial ratio of hydrogels for S. aureus was higher than that of E. coli . The composite hydrogels also demonstrated tunable mechanical properties and favorable self‐healing properties. When co‐cultured with NIH 3 T3 cells, the hydrogels showed good biocompatibility. Based on the above results, the composite hydrogels showed promising potential as clinical materials for wound healing.