Cellulose-nanofibril-reinforced hydrogels with pH sensitivity and mechanical stability for wound healing

[Display omitted] •Cellulose-nanofibril-reinforced hydrogels with multiple properties are produced.•Morphology, mechanical, cyto-compatibility properties were characterized.•A therapeutic and accelerated effect of hydrogels on wound healing was achieved. Developing wound dressings working as smart delivery systems with compatibility, robust mechanical and antimicrobial properties has gained significant attention. In the present work, cellulose-nanofibril-reinforced hydrogels with pH sensitivity and enhanced mechanical stability were prepared. In addition, levofloxacin was pre-loaded into the cellulose-nanofibril-reinforced hydrogel to endow it with an antimicrobial property. The morphology, swelling, mechanical properties, and cell viability were studied. Finally, the wound healing performance was evaluated in vivo by a burn wound model. The results showed that the produced hydrogels had ideal therapeutic efficacy and accelerated the healing process, and might be a promising candidate as a wound dressing.