Multifunctional hydrogels have aroused great interest in accelerating wound healing. In this study, a hydrogel dressing with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties is developed using xylose (Xy) glycated Chinese giant salamander collagen (CGSPXy), curcumin (Cur), sodium alginate (SA), and chitosan (CS). Specifically, the CGSP/CGSPXy-Cur nanoparticle is mixed with SA through hydrogen bonding interactions to form a hydrogel framework. Subsequently, the CGSP/CGSPXy-Cur-SA is immersed in a solution containing Ca2⁺ and CS, forming an ion-crosslinked semi-interpenetrating double-network hydrogel. Notably, CGSPXy synergized with Cur reduced the swelling ratio while enhancing the thermal stability, rheological properties, adhesion performance, and tensile strength of hydrogels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that hydrogels constructed with CGSPXy-Cur nanoparticles exhibited sustained Cur release, along with excellent blood compatibility, clotting properties, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity. Also, CGSPXy synergized with Cur has been proven to effectively promote wound healing by promoting collagen deposition, new blood vessels, myofibroblast generation, and reducing the production of proinflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6). This study provided a promising strategy for collagen-based hydrogel as a sustainable solution for wound care.
Fu et al. (2025) studied this question.