Injectable Multifunctional CMCS/OPC/LZM Hydrogels: Non-Covalent Fabrication and In Vitro Evaluation for Cutaneous Wound Repair

In this study, CMCS/OPC/LZM hydrogels with varying lysozyme (LZM) concentrations were constructed via simple mixing of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), and LZM through non-covalent self-assembly, followed by evaluation of their physicochemical properties and biological functions. Characterization results showed all hydrogels featured a 3D porous network, shape adaptability, superhydrophilicity, self-healing ability, rapid gelation, and good injectability, with self-assembly mainly mediated by intermolecular hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Among them, CMCS/OPC 4 /LZM 1 hydrogel exhibited the highest cell proliferation activity, significantly promoting the migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells, as well as endothelial angiogenesis. Additionally, the CMCS/OPC 4 /LZM hydrogel series achieved an antibacterial rate of nearly 100% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , possessed potent antioxidant activity, had a hemolysis rate of less than 5%, and showed superior hemostatic performance to traditional gauze. Collectively, these findings highlight the great application potential of CMCS/OPC 4 /LZM hydrogels in cutaneous wound repair. Graphical Schematic illustration depicting the fabrication of injectable, multifunctional carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC)/lysozyme (LZM) hydrogels via non-covalent self-assembly through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The hydrogel exhibits rapid gelation, superhydrophilicity, self-healing, adhesion, and shape adaptability. In vitro, it promotes cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, while demonstrating potent antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity.