Application of Hydroxypropyl Chitosan in Oxidized Sodium Alginate Medical Hydrogel Dressing

Oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) is widely used in medical hydrogel dressings due to its wide source, low cost, excellent biocompatibility and gel properties. However, the mechanical strength of OSA alone is low and the degradation rate is difficult to control, which limits its use in actual medical scenarios. In order to solve these problems, researchers have tried to combine it with functional polymers, and the introduction of hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPC) has become an effective method.

Hydroxypropyl chitosan is a water-soluble chitosan derivative obtained by hydroxypropylation of chitosan, which has good water solubility, film-forming properties and excellent biocompatibility. At the same time, HPC also has certain antibacterial, antioxidant and healing abilities, and is an ideal choice for the preparation of biomedical materials. In the process of combining with OSA, HPC forms a stable hydrogel network structure with OSA through cross-linking reaction or physical action. The formation of this network structure can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, enabling it to withstand frequent mechanical actions in wound care while enhancing its shape retention.

In addition, the introduction of HPC gives the hydrogel excellent hygroscopicity and air permeability, which can keep the wound microenvironment moist, thereby promoting the migration of epithelial cells and the formation of new blood vessels, and ultimately accelerating wound healing. At the same time, HPC also has a strong drug loading capacity, and can embed antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs or growth factors in the hydrogel to achieve a sustained therapeutic effect by controlling the release rate. This property makes the composite hydrogel material show significant therapeutic advantages in chronic wounds, burns or postoperative care.

In practical applications, hydroxypropyl chitosan and OSA composite hydrogel dressings show good antibacterial properties, inhibit common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and further reduce the risk of infection. At the same time, the degradation products of the material are all non-toxic biological small molecules, which can be metabolized and absorbed by the body and are safe and harmless to the human body.

In summary, the application of hydroxypropyl chitosan in oxidized sodium alginate medical hydrogel dressings provides a new idea for the development of high-performance medical dressings. The composite material not only has good mechanical properties and biological functions, but also can achieve personalized treatment through drug release, showing great application potential. In the future, as research deepens, this technology is expected to further promote the development of modern wound care.