Facile fabrication of quaternized chitosan-incorporated biomolecular patches for non-compressive haemostasis and wound healing

Abstract

Cell-free wound dressings (WDs) with desirable effectiveness and safety have received much attention in the field of regenerative medicine. However, the weak linkages between bioactive polymers and the spatial structure of WDs frequently result in interventional treatment failure. Herein, we create a series of quaternized chitosan (QCS)-incorporated composite hydrogels (referred to as GHCH-n) by UV cross-linking and then convert them into microneedle patches (MNPs). QCS, which is positively charged and amphiphilic, is essential for broad-spectrum antibacterial and haemostatic activities. QCS is proven to be slightly toxic, so it is immobilized into the methacrylate gelatine (GelMA) molecular cage to minimize adverse effects. A polydimethylsiloxane micro-mould is used to shape the MNPs. MNPs can pierce tissue, seal off bleeding sites, and cling to wounds securely. Thus, MNPs can cooperate with GHCH-n hydrogels to halt bleeding and accelerate wound healing. This study recommends GHCH-10 MNPs as an advanced biomaterial. Several preclinical research models have thoroughly validated the application effect of GHCH-10 MNPs. This research also proposes a novel strategy for integrating the nature of bioactive polymers and the structure of composite biomaterials. This strategy is not only applicable to the fabrication of next-generation WDs but also shows great potential in expanding interdisciplinary domains.