Tannic Acid and Glutaraldehyde‐Modified Hyaluronic Acid/Chitosan Films: A Synergistic Approach to Enhanced Mechanical, Degradative, and Biological Properties for Wound Dressings

ABSTRACT Bioactive hyaluronic acid (HA)/chitosan (CS) films chemically modified with glutaraldehyde (GA) and tannic acid (TA) have been investigated as a novel approach in wound dressing. The films were evaluated through various tests, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ( FTIR ), mechanical testing, swelling behavior, water contact angle, hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation, antibacterial properties, fibroblast identification and enumeration, cytotoxicity assessment, cell adhesion, and morphology on the scaffold surface. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. The FTIR results indicated strong hydrogen bonding between the functional groups. The mechanical properties showed that the Young's modulus increased from approximately 50 kPa to approximately 1.5 MPa from the pure HA film to the HA ‐ CS ‐ GA ‐ TA film; the tensile strength was maintained, and the fracture strain was slightly reduced. The films had sufficient flexibility. The HA / GA / TA film had the highest swelling percentage. The lowest and highest contact angles were observed in the HA and HA / GA / TA films, respectively. HA ‐ CS ‐ GA ‐ TA films retained about 88.7% of their mass after 28 days in an aqueous environment and showed only 48.2% degradation under enzymatic conditions after 72 h. The HA / CS / TA film did not exhibit significant antibacterial properties; however, an appropriate number of fibroblasts and reduced GA concentration in the films enhanced cell viability. Additionally, the cells displayed proper morphology and strong adhesion. Bioactive HA / CS films chemically modified with GA and TA demonstrated enhanced mechanical strength, controlled degradation, suitable swelling and surface properties, biocompatibility, and strong cell adhesion, highlighting their potential as effective wound dressings.