Novel fenugreek gum-cellulose composite hydrogel with wound healing synergism: Facile preparation, characterization and wound healing activity evaluation

Abstract

Hydrogels can be used as bioactive dressings, which outperform traditional dressings and are widely used in wound hemostasis and healing. However, it is still a challenge to develop a hydrogel with good stability and strong mechanical properties for wound hemostasis and healing. Herein, we developed a novel composite polysaccharide hydrogel from fenugreek gum and cellulose. Fenugreek gum was combined with cellulose through hydrogen bonding to form a hydrogel to improve the mechanical properties of the composite hydrogel. The composite hydrogel had a porous structure, thermal stability, good water absorption and a sustained release effect. Furthermore, the composite hydrogel demonstrated good biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the superior performance of wound hemostasis and healing has been confirmed. Our results indicated that the composite hydrogel was a promising medical dressing and had the potential to promote wound healing.