Development of polyvinyl alcohol-bacterial cellulose-chitosan oligosaccharide composite hydrogels for potential wound healing applications

Wound healing continues to pose significant challenges in clinical practice, with hydrogels often limited by their fragility, inadequate adhesion, and restricted biological functionalities. To address these issues, a composite hydrogel, consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), bacterial cellulose (BC), and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), termed PBC hydrogel, was developed. An evaluation of their mechanical properties, including tensile and compressive strength, was conducted. Notably, the incorporation of BC enhanced these mechanical attributes of the PBC hydrogels. Furthermore, the self-healing and adhesive properties of the PBC hydrogels were assessed, revealing excellent performance in both aspects. In vitro cellular assessments were carried out to evaluate the biological effects of the PBC hydrogels. The results indicated that the PBC hydrogel can effectively promote the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, as well as upregulate the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and downregulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). It is imperative to note that preliminary in vivo results have further validated the effectiveness of the PBC hydrogel in promoting wound healing. This finding provides substantial support for the application of the PBC hydrogel in wound healing, demonstrating its therapeutic potential in promoting wound healing.