Double network biodegradable hydrogel from pectin and dextran with epigallocatechin gallate loading for photothermal enhanced wound healing

In this study, the pectin hydrazide bearing boronic acid groups (PHBA) was synthesized through coupling and hydrazinolysis reaction successively. In addition, the dopamine (DA) was grafted onto oxidized dextran (ODex) through dynamic Schiff-base connection to endow the resultant DA grafted ODex (ODDA) with mussel inspired tissue adhesive property and antioxidant property. The double network self-healing PHBA/ODDA hydrogel (Gel) with a variety of advantages was fabricated from PHBA and ODDA with dynamic hydrazone bonds and boronic ester bonds. The graphene oxide (GO) as photothermal agent was composited into the hydrogel to enhance the antibacterial performance stimulated by near infrared (NIR) radiation. Meanwhile, the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug was loaded to take the advantage of sustained release behavior of the hydrogel to promote the wound healing. The results showed the composite hydrogel greatly enhance the antioxidant property and antibacterial property with the biocompatibility well preserved. Under NIR irradiation and the activity of the loaded EGCG, the GO@EGCG/Gel inhibited the infection and inflammation of the wound to promote the healing progress on mice model. In conclusion, the Gel can act as a good platform as GO and EGCG carrier to promote the wound healing as potential dressing material. Download: Download high-res image (202KB) Download: Download full-size image