Multifunctional hydrogel based on decellularized intestinal matrix, carboxymethyl cellulose and ciprofloxacin for accelerated wound healing

Wound healing remains a critical challenge in both clinical practice and biomedical research. The preparation of a functional hydrogel can be an effective strategy for accelerating wound healing. In the present study, small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was used as a biomaterial due to its favorable composition, biological activity, and non-immunogenic properties. SIS was decellularized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson's trichrome staining. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was employed as a supporting material, and ciprofloxacin (Cip) was incorporated as an antimicrobial agent to develop a novel hydrogel composite (SIS/CMC/Cip) with bioactive factors. This design was intended to create an optimal microenvironment for skin regeneration. The hydrogel exhibited an appropriate swelling ratio, tunable rheological properties, desirable drug release, and satisfactory degradation. In vitro assays demonstrated that our hydrogel enhanced cell viability without cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the hydrogel showed significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo studies further confirmed the potential of the SIS/CMC/Cip hydrogel as a highly effective dressing for full-thickness wound repair. The designed hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing in a rat model and effectively protected the wounds from bacterial invasion. In conclusion, the resulting hydrogel, with its excellent biocompatibility, offers a multifunctional approach and represents a promising candidate for advanced wound dressing applications.