Synthesis and characterization of an injectable ε-polylysine/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel used in medical application

Hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility and adaptability due to their structural similarity to biological tissues, which makes them widely used in the medical field. An injectable hydrogel used in medical application consisting of polylysine (ε-PL) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) was prepared. To form the hydrogel, amino groups were reacted with carboxyl groups to form amide bonds, and gelation was further promoted by electrostatic adsorption, with gelation occurring within 30 s. In addition, the hydrogel was characterized according to its mechanical, antibacterial, and hemostatic properties. Various characterization methods, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, hydrogen spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, were performed. To evaluate the hydrogel for biomedical applications, we conducted skin irritation, eye irritation, in vitro cytotoxicity, in vitro hydrogel degradation, and whole blood coagulation effect tests. In summary, an injectable self-degrading hydrogel capable of rapid gelation, low toxicity and low irritation was prepared and has good application prospects in punctum embolization and medical hemostatic dressings. [Display omitted] •Successfully prepared a novel polyamino acid/modified chitosan hydrogel.•Gelation through polyelectrolyte reaction and covalent bond formation.•Hydrogel was characterized and the gelling conditions was optimized.•Cell and animal experiments have proven that hydrogels have good biocompatibility.•Hydrogels have applications in wound dressings and injectable punctal plugs.