The present invention pertains to a pH-responsive, self-healing and injectable hydrogel for wound healing, comprising a combination of polysaccharides and a biomolecule, specifically:

• Chitosan, facilitating cell proliferation support;
• Oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose, enhancing rheological behavior; and
• Lauric acid, imparting immunomodulatory properties.
• The hydrogel demonstrates self-healing capabilities, achieved through the formation of Schiff base and electrostatic interaction.
• The Schiff base bonds resulting from a chemical reaction between the amine of chitosan and the aldehyde of oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose.
• The electrostatic interaction forms between the free amine group of chitosan and β-glycerol phosphate.

Method

• Uniformly mixing chitosan, oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose, and lauric acid using luer-lock syringe;
• Allowing the formation of Schiff base bonds through a reaction between the amine of chitosan and the aldehyde of oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose;
• Allowing the formation of electrostatic interaction at 37 °C using a cross-linker, specifically 40-50% β-glycerol phosphate to enhance stability and gelation time; and
• Utilizing a solvent, including MilliQ water or PBS or a combination of both, for dissolving the polymers.