A chitosan-based antibacterial hydrogel with injectable and self-healing capabilities

The presence of bacteria directly affects wound healing. Chitosan-based hydrogel biomaterials are a solution as they offer advantages for wound-healing applications due to their strong antimicrobial properties. Here, a double-cross-linking chitosan-based hydrogel with antibacterial, self-healing, and injectable properties is reported. Thiolated chitosan was successfully prepared, and the thiolated chitosan molecules were cross-linked by Ag–S coordination to form a supramolecular hydrogel. Subsequently, the amine groups in the thiolated chitosan covalently cross-linked with genipin to further promote hydrogel formation. In vitro experimental results indicate that hydrogel can release Ag⁺ over an extended time, achieving an antibacterial rate of over 99% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Due to the reversible and dynamic feature of Ag–S coordination, an antibacterial hydrogel exhibited injectable and self-healing capabilities. Additionally, the hydrogel showed excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability.