Tannic Acid Modified Keratin/Sodium Alginate/Carboxymethyl Chitosan Biocomposite Hydrogels With Good Mechanical Properties And Swelling Behavior

The study developed a multifunctional hydrogel using keratin, sodium alginate, and carboxymethyl chitosan, modified with tannic acid, for potential use in wound-healing dressings. The hydrogel demonstrated a high swelling rate of 1541.7%, an elastic modulus of 589.74 kPa, and toughness of 211.74 kJ/m³, with mechanical properties similar to human skin. It exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, and a DPPH scavenging rate of 95%, indicating strong antioxidant properties. The hydrogel's good biological characteristics and mechanical properties suggest its potential for biomedical engineering applications.