Heparin and carboxymethyl chitosan synergistically enhance the antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility of activated carbon fiber dressing for accelerating wound healing

Abstract

Traditional cotton dressings often adhere to wound scabs due to their limited absorbability and breathability, potentially causing secondary damage. Hence, we prepared an activated carbon fibre (ACF) dressing with good biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties using polydopamine (PDA) as a reaction substrate in conjunction with heparin (Hep) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). The Hep binding was determined to be approximately 1.8 % by the toluidine blue method. The FTIR and XPS results showed that Hep and CMCS were successfully grafted onto the surface of ACF through synergistic interactions. Hep and CMCS conferred stronger antimicrobial and cell proliferative effects on the ACF dressing through synergistic interactions with each other. Compared to other control groups, hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and histological experiments demonstrated better biocompatibility in the APHC group. The antimicrobial tests indicated that the APHC group displayed better antimicrobial performance, with a 99 % bactericidal rate against both E. coli and S. aureus. In vivo studies suggested that the APHC group had reduced wound scabbing and a faster rate of wound healing, with the wound healing rate exceeding 85 % after 7 days of treatment. This study offers a novel route for the fabrication of medical ACF dressings with excellent biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties.