Chitosan-Alginate Hydrogel Enriched with <i>Hypericum perforatum</i> Callus Extract for Improved Wound Healing and Scar Inhibition
Tayebeh Zivari‐Ghader, Hamed Hamishehkar, Behrooz Shokouhi, Morteza Kosari‐Nasab, Mohammad Reza Farahpour, Mohammad Yousef Memar, Soodabeh Davaran, Jalal Hanaee, Mohammad‐Reza Rashidi, Mehdi Mehrali
Abstract
Hypericum perforatum callus contains pluripotent stem cells, and its extract (HPCE) is a natural compound that includes various biologically active components, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and naphthodiantrons like hypericin and hyperforin. These components give HPCE significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable option for wound healing. Unlike traditional wound dressings that may leave a residue or necessitate invasive procedures like phototherapy, HPCE is a promising alternative. This study presents a hydrogel wound dressing made from a chitosan/alginate scaffold loaded with HPCE (CA/HPCE). This system displayed remarkable mechanical properties coupled with a high swelling capacity. Moreover, it demonstrated potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, promoting a favorable environment for wound healing. In vitro studies confirmed that our wound dressings effectively inhibited Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and drug-resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae ( K. pneumoniae ), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ), and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus ( MR-CoNS ). Additionally, CA/HPCE had the potential to significantly augment fibroblast migration. Moreover, in vivo investigations confirmed that this system accelerated re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and collagen deposition while reducing inflammation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) indicated the absence of hypertrophic scar formation postdressing. These findings suggest that CA/HPCE is a highly effective and innovative solution for advanced wound care.