Guanidinylated bioactive chitosan-based injectable hydrogels with pro-angiogenic and mechanical properties for accelerated wound closure

Wound healing is a complex process involving the concerted action of many genes and signaling pathways, with angiogenesis being crucial for expediting wound closure. Dressings that possess pro-angiogenic properties are increasingly recognized as attractive candidates for wound care. Drawing inspiration from the active closure of wounds in embryos, we have developed a thermo-responsive hydrogel with mechanoactive properties, combining vascular regeneration and skin wound contraction to accelerate healing. The significant improvement in vascular reconstruction is attributed to the synergistic effect of arginine and deferoxamine (DFO) released from the hydrogels. Additionally, the contraction force of the hydrogel actively promotes skin closure in wounds. Remarkably, groups treated with hydroxybutyl chitosan methacrylate combined with arginine (HBC_m_Arg/DFO) exhibited increased vascularization, and greater wound maturity, leading to enhanced healing. These results highlight the synergistic impact of pro-angiogenic and mechanical properties of the HBC_m_Arg/DFO hydrogel in accelerating wound healing in rats.