Multiple Crosslinked, Self-Healing, and Shape-Adaptable Hydrogel Laden with Pain-Relieving Chitosan@Borneol Nanoparticles for Infected Burn Wound Healing

The study developed a hydrogel wound dressing loaded with pain-relieving chitosan@borneol nanoparticles for treating infected burn wounds. This hydrogel, composed of PVA-GA, SA-PBA, Zn²⁺, and chitosan-coated borneol nanoparticles, exhibited multiple beneficial properties such as adhesiveness, self-healing, shape adaptability, and pH-responsive drug release. It also demonstrated antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proangiogenic activities. In a murine scald wound model, the hydrogel effectively prevented infection by Staphylococcus aureus and reduced pain perception, thereby accelerating wound healing. The study suggests that this hydrogel system holds promise for improving the management of infected burn wounds.