Curcumin delivery via dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose/CaCO3/GDL cross-linked alginate hydrogels for wound healing

Abstract

The development of advanced wound dressings is crucial for enhancing wound healing. This study introduces a novel sodium alginate (SA) emulsion gel cross-linked through both hemiacetal and ionic interactions using dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) and CaCO3. The emulsion gel encapsulates curcumin (CU) in a tunable, interconnected porous network controlled by DCMC concentration. The biocompatible emulsion gel demonstrated excellent shape memory and flexibility, maintaining its structure during movement. In vivo results showed a significant acceleration in wound closure, with an 85.0 +/- 5.12 reduction by day 12, compared to 18.97 +/- 5.43 in the control group. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation, attributed to the emulsion gel's antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This innovative system with antioxidant and wound healing properties provides a promising approach to advanced wound care, addressing the limitations of traditional dressings and enhancing hydrogel performance in wound healing.