Double Network Physical Crosslinked Hydrogel for Healing Skin Wounds: New Formulation Based on Polysaccharides and Zn2+

The document presents a study on a new formulation of a double network hydrogel, based on marine polysaccharides (sodium alginate and chitosan) and Zn2+ ions, for healing skin wounds. The hydrogel's structure consists of two networks, one formed by electrostatic interaction between sodium alginate and chitosan, and the second formed by ionic cross-linking between sodium alginate and Zn2+ ions. The addition of Zn2+ ions enhances the hydrogel's mechanical properties, antibacterial ability, and antioxidant activity. The hydrogel demonstrated strong antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus, and was found to be non-toxic to HaCaT cells. In vivo wound healing experiments showed superior wound healing in the Zn2+-containing groups compared to the blank group. The hydrogel also promoted hair follicle regeneration, indicating its potential as a wound dressing. The study does not mention the number of samples used in the experiments.