Antibacterial and biocompatible oxidized starch-gelatin composite hydrogels for wound dressing application

Abstract Efficient repair of infected wounds remains a long-standing clinical challenge. Although oxidized starch (OS)/gelatin-based hydrogels have been widely investigated, achieving a balanced integration of mechanical adaptability, controlled drug release, and cytocompatibility remains difficult. Herein, we developed a multifunctional OS–gelatin/ciprofloxacin (OS-Gel/CIP) composite hydrogel via Schiff base covalent crosslinking. Distinct from previously reported systems, the hydrogel features a synergistic network structure combining covalent crosslinking and dynamic hydrogen bonding, which endows it with enhanced mechanical adaptability and structural stability. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits a biphasic drug release profile, enabling rapid initial antibacterial action followed by sustained release for long-term infection control. The resulting hydrogel possesses a porous three-dimensional architecture, high swelling capacity (>500%), favorable tensile properties, and excellent cytocompatibility (cell viability >80%). In vitro antibacterial tests demonstrate an inhibition rate exceeding 85% against S. aureus . This work highlights a facile, low-cost, and biocompatible strategy for constructing multifunctional natural polymer-based hydrogels, providing a promising candidate for infected wound dressing applications.