Synthesis of Injectable Thermosensitive Cinnamaldehyde-Loaded Chitosan Hydrogel for Antibacterial and Wound Dressing Application

Abstract

The wound healing in the presence of bacterial infections is a complex process and prolonged challenge with severe implications for human health. To address this issue, injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogels as wound dressings have garnered considerable attention as a potential solution. In this study, we have developed an injectable and antibacterial thermosensitive hydrogel for wound healing, based on chitosan (CS) and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) and modified with a range of cinnamaldehyde (CA). The CS/β-GP/CA gels demonstrate a phase transition at body temperatures, and exhibit good biocompatibility. Compared with the unmodified CS/β-GP hydrogels, incorporating CA can promote endothelial cell growth and the antibacterial property of the hydrogel system, which may lead to faster wound healing and tissue regeneration. Our findings suggest that the CS/β-GP/CA thermosensitive hydrogel emerges as a promising candidate for an injectable wound dressing in wound treatments.