Development of eugenol loaded cellulose-chitosan based hydrogels; in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation for wound healing

Recent years have demonstrated that biopolymers can serve as effective wound healing agents. We hereby report chitosan-oxidized cellulose (CS.OMCC) based hydrogels loaded with eugenol with distinctive antimicrobial, biocompatible and angiogenic characteristics. CS.OMCC hydrogels in four different ratios were synthesized through Schiff base (-C=N) between chitosan (CS) and oxidized microcrystalline cellulose (OMCC). The swelling and degradation study analyzed the maximum absorption strength and weight loss of 1165% and 56.8%, respectively. Hydrogels were potent against E. coli and S. aureus. The zones of inhibition were dependent upon the chitosan and eugenol, where 30% eugenol (Eu) loaded CS.OMCC 4:1 hydrogel revealed greater zones (17 mm). The hydrogels demonstrated favorable biocompatibility, adhesion, and migration potential of mouse fibroblast cells. Moreover, the in-vivo potential by Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay displayed an increase in the number, length, and size of blood vessels, contributing towards superior angiogenic potential. Increased expression in the case of VEGF further supported the role of hydrogels in promoting angiogenesis. Our study presents eugenol loaded chitosan-oxidized cellulose hydrogels that present a promising solution to target bacterial infection and promote angiogenesis, thereby promoting the wound healing process.