Fabricating a Curcumin-Loaded Chitin/Lignin Micelle Thermoresponsive Hydrogel with Dynamic Contractility and Tissue-Adhesive Properties for Enhanced Wound Regeneration

Skin exhibits limited self-regenerative capacity following an injury; therefore, it is imperative to develop appropriate wound dressings capable of expediting postinjury closure to prevent microbial invasion and enhance the wound healing process. In this study, poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNI), sodium dodecyl sulfate/octadecyl methacrylate micellar (SA), and micellar (chitin/lignin)-loaded curcumin (Cur) were used for constructing a thermosensitive and tissue-adhesive hydrogel (PNI-SA@Cur), aiming to develop a wound dressing that enhanced wound healing. The results demonstrated that PNI-SA@Cur hydrogel exhibited superior thermal shrinkability, along with excellent adhesion and self-healing capabilities, and it also showed good hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. Additionally, PNI-SA@Cur as a sealant significantly achieved suture-free postwound closure in the early stages of wound healing, and it demonstrated a substantial capacity to promote wound healing by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, facilitating favorable collagen deposition, and stimulating abundant angiogenesis. The thermoresponsive and tissue-adhesive hydrogel dressing represents a promising material for promoting wound healing.