Chitosan-sodium percarbonate-based hydrogels with sustained oxygen release potential stimulated angiogenesis and accelerated wound healing.

Abstract

The prolonged hypoxic conditions hinder chronic wounds from healing and lead to severe conditions such as delayed re-epithelialization and enhanced risk of infection. Multifunctional wound dressings are highly required to address the challenges of chronic wounds. Herein, we report polyurethane-coated sodium per carbonate-loaded chitosan hydrogel (CSPUO₂ ) as a multifunctional dressing. The hydrogels (Control, CSPU, and CSPUO₂ ) were prepared by freeze gelation method and the developed hydrogels showed high porosity, good absorption capacity, and adequate biodegradability. The release of oxygen from the CSPUO₂ hydrogel was confirmed by the increase in pH and a sustained oxygen release was observed over the period of 21 days, due to polyurethane (CSPU) coating. The CSPUO₂ hydrogel exhibited around 2-fold increased angiogenic potential in CAM assay when compared with Control and CSPU dressing. CSPUO₂ also showed good level of antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus. In a full-thickness rat wound model, CSPUO₂ hydrogel considerably accelerated wound healing with exceptional re-epithelialization granulation tissue formation less inflammatory cells and improved skin architecture highlighting the tremendous therapeutic potential of this hydrogel when compared with control and CSPU to treat chronic diabetic and burn wounds.