Enhancing the Properties of Chitosan–Pectin Hydrogels With Cellulose Nanowhiskers for Potential Applications in Wound Dressings

Chitosan and pectin are employed here in the formation of biodegradable hydrogels. The addition of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) into the hydrogels is accomplished through two methods: by swelling, after the polymeric network formation (Method A), and inclusion in polymer solutions before gelation, with varying CNW content (Method B). Comprehensive physico–chemical, thermal, microscopic, gel fraction, and water vapor transmission analyses are conducted, complemented by antibacterial and viability assessments. CNWs are successfully synthesized and incorporated within the hydrogel by both methods. Moreover, the degradation temperature (T_max) of hydrogels is higher with CNW (0% CNW: 205.5 °C, 10% CNW: 217.0 °C). CNW aggregates are observed in hydrogels with 20% and 30% content but no aggregation is observed with 4% and 10%. The antimicrobial properties are not affected by the addition of CNW, and the cytotoxicity tests reveal better results with 10% CNW compared with 20%. The study signifies the versatility of CNWs as effective reinforcements, influencing structural, thermal, and biological aspects of the hydrogels. The proposed methodology, emphasizing CNW incorporation, lays the groundwork for innovative biomaterials with promising medical implications. This investigation encourages further exploration and validation of these composite hydrogels in vivo for practical medical use in wound dressings.