Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-Vanillin Schiff Base-Based Alginate/Fucoidan/Royal Jelly Composite

Chronic wounds represent a significant burden on healthcare systems due to their increasing global prevalence and prolonged treatment durations. The limited efficacy of current treatment protocols highlights the urgent need for the development of biocompatible, innovative, and multifunctional wound dressings. In this context, composite hydrogels have emerged as promising materials, demonstrating superior performance compared to single-component systems owing to the synergistic interactions among their constituents. At the same time, sustainability and environmentally friendly synthesis strategies have become increasingly critical in the design of biomaterials. This study aimed to develop a biocompatible, cell-regenerative, and eco-friendly composite hydrogel for chronic wound treatment. For this purpose, a chitosan–vanillin Schiff base-based composite hydrogel containing sodium alginate, fucoidan, and royal jelly was synthesized using natural polymers and bioactive compounds. In the initial stage, the chitosan–vanillin Schiff base was synthesized, and various amounts of sodium alginate, fucoidan, and royal jelly were incorporated into the structure to obtain different hydrogel formulations. The hydrogels were subsequently crosslinked with CaCl₂ and subjected to freeze–thaw cycles to enhance their structural stability. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, SEM analysis, contact angle measurement, and swelling tests. Furthermore, their wound healing potential was evaluated through antibacterial activity and in vitro wound healing (scratch assay) tests. The results demonstrated that the developed hydrogel is biocompatible, highly water-retentive, promotes wound healing, and is environmentally friendly. Antibacterial tests showed activity against Gram-negative E. coli, while in vitro scratch assays confirmed the hydrogel's ability to support cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. This study contributes to the development of innovative and sustainable wound dressings for chronic wound treatment; furthermore, it provides a potential foundation for future preclinical research.