Cost-effective and eco-friendly sprayable nanogels (ZC-CSNG) for multifunctional wound dressing applications

Chitosan (CS) has significant potential in wound dressing applications, but its utility is limited by poor aqueous solubility. We introduce sprayable nanogels, ZC-CSNG (zwitterion-modified chitosan-based Schiff base crosslinked nanogels), which are multifunctional and tailored for biomedical use. These nanogels comprise a 3D network formed by crosslinking chitosan with glutaraldehyde (GA) and incorporating hydrophilic sulfobetaine and antioxidant p-coumaric acid functionalities. Comprehensive characterization confirms the zwitterionic modification of CS and validates the properties of ZC-CSNG. This design improves solubility, protein antifouling efficiency, antibacterial activity, and anti-reactive oxygen species (ROS) properties within a single hydrogel particle system. The green synthesis method, free from organic solvents, ensures solubility, sprayability, and biocompatibility, rendering the ZC-CSNG ideal for wound dressing. Under physiological conditions, these nanogels demonstrate ROS scavenging, stability with a shelf-life exceeding four weeks, and potential to reduce inflammation by scavenging nitric oxide (i.e., NO) in vitro. In summary, ZC-CSNG represent a significant advancement in wound dressing technology, offering a promising solution for wound healing. With the capacity to mitigate ROS production, inhibit bacterial growth, reduce inflammation markers, and enhance dermal cellular proliferation, these sprayable nanogels present an efficient wound care option across clinical settings.