Introduction

Chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers) remain a major healthcare challenge,

needing dressings that accelerate healing and prevent infection.

Hydrogels (alginate, chitosan) offer moisture retention, biocompatibility, and

drug-delivery capability, but have weak mechanics and limited antimicrobial

activity.

Curcumin & Chrysin: natural bioactives with anti-inflammatory and

antibacterial properties.

Montmorillonite (MMT): improves stability, drug entrapment, and controlled

release.

This study: Developed a multifunctional alginate–chitosan hydrogel

incorporating curcumin, chrysin, and MMT for enhanced wound healing,

infection control, and sustained drug delivery.

 

Connection to SDG-3

This hydrogel contributes to SDG-3 by promoting

faster wound recovery, reducing infection, and

enhancing patient well-being.

The hydrogel’s demonstrated broad-spectrum

antibacterial efficacy (against S. aureus and P.

aeruginosa) enhances its utility for safe, effective,

and affordable wound care — a cornerstone of

primary healthcare and infection control.

 

Conclusion

Alginate–chitosan hydrogels with chrysin, curcumin,

and montmorillonite (MMT) were successfully

developed.

Showed enhanced drug entrapment and sustained

release of bioactive compounds.

Demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against

Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Confirmed biocompatibility with HaCaT cells (non-

cytotoxic).

Exhibited superior wound healing potential compared

to controls.

Montmorillonite proved effective as an additive for

advanced drug-delivery dressings.