Injectable chitosan-based hydrogels harnessing resveratrol micelles for treatment of infected wounds

Managing severe wounds is a complex challenge due to factors such as the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, an intense inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and difficulties in facilitating the development of new blood vessels. Herein, we use chitosan hydrochloride, hydroxyethyl cellulose and β-glycerol phosphate incorporated with resveratrol micelle (RES-M) to prepare an injectable and hemostatic multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing (RM-CHβ), which aims to provide an initial evaluation of its impact on addressing the full-thickness skin defects that are infected by S. aureus. RM-CHβ exhibits a lot of appropriate properties, such as excellent adhesion strength, release of RES, and exhibited a suitable swelling ratio and appropriate biological degradability. Notably, RM-CHβ has qualified hemolysis ratio, excellent cell compatibility and histocompatibility. In addition, RM-CHβ has excellent antioxidant and antibacterial activities and exhibits a good hemostatic effect on a rat model of hemorrhagic liver injury. In vivo assessments of wound healing have further revealed that RM-CHβ facilitates an accelerated healing effect by promoting angiogenesis, increasing collagen deposition, and reducing excessive inflammation. Collectively, this innovative composite hydrogel dressing, prepared from bioactive materials, is anticipated to serve as a novel strategy for the treatment and management of wounds infected with drug-resistant bacteria.