CMC-Based Injectable Hydrogels Crosslinked by Diels–Alder Chemistry for Wound Healing Applications

Abstract

Chronic wounds disrupt natural healing and tissue regeneration, posing a major challenge in healthcare. Conventional wound care often lacks effective drug delivery, tissue integration, infection control, and patient comfort. However, injectable hydrogels offer localized, minimally invasive treatment and conform to irregular wound shapes. This study presents carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based injectable hydrogels, prepared via Diels–Alder click chemistry using highly furan functionalized CMC (45%) and a bismaleimide crosslinker. The hydrogels showed a rapid gelation time (<490 s) under physiological conditions. The hydrogel exhibited favorable physicochemical and mechanical properties, as well as sustained curcumin release (∼80% in 5 days). In vitro studies confirmed excellent biocompatibility with NIH3T3 fibroblasts and notable antibacterial activity against E. coli, supporting its potential for wound healing applications.