MMP-Responsive Nanoparticle-Loaded, Injectable, Adhesive, Self-Healing Hydrogel Wound Dressing Based on Dynamic Covalent Bonds

Developing a multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing with good injectability, self-healing, tissue adhesion, biocompatibility, and fast skin wound healing efficiency remains challenging. In this work, an injectable adhesive dopamine-functionalized oxidized hyaluronic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan/collagen (AHADA/CCS/Col) hydrogel was constructed. The Schiff dynamic bond between AHADA and CCS, the N–Ag–N bond between CCS and Ag ions, and the S–Ag–S dynamic bond between sulfhydryl-modified collagen (ColSH) and Ag ions allowed the hydrogel to be both injectable and self-healing. Moreover, the aldehyde groups and catechol groups presented in the hydrogel could generate force with several groups on the tissue interface; therefore, the hydrogel also had good tissue adhesion. In vitro experiments proved that this hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility and could promote cell proliferation. Additionally, curcumin (Cur)-loaded gelatin nanoparticles (Cur@Gel NPs) were prepared, which could respond to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and controllably release Cur to hasten wound healing efficiency. Animal experiment results showed that this AHADA/CCS/Col hydrogel loaded with Cur@Gel NPs promoted wound repairing better, indicating its potential as a wound dressing.