Facile synthesis of hydroxypropyl chitosan-egg white hydrogel dressing with antibacterial and antioxidative activities for accelerating the healing of burn wounds

Abstract

Burn injury is the fourth most common injury worldwide. Deep partial-thickness burns are susceptible to bacterial infections due to the absence of a skin shield, which can lead to severe pain, scarring, and even death. Therefore, developing a wound dressing that can promote wound repair accompanied by excellent antibacterial effects is crucial for clinical application. Herein, a facile self-healing hydroxypropyl chitosan–egg white hydrogel (HPCS–EWH) with excellent biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation and antibacterial properties was prepared. This physical crosslinking hydrogel was endowed with the intrinsic merits of its parental components, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, antibiosis, and thriving cell growth in vitro. In an in vivo model of Staphylococcus aureus-infected burn wounds, HPCS–EWH could accelerate wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, and promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Therefore, HPCS–EWH could be used to heal deep partial-thickness skin burn wounds.