Chitosan Hydrogel in combination with Nerolidol for healing wounds

•TG, DSC and FTIR proved the incorporation of nerolidol in the hydrogel.•Hydrogel with nerolidol inhibited totally Staphylococcus aureus growth.•Hydrogel with nerolidol showed excellent healing effects in animal model.

Chitosan is a natural polymer with antibacterial property, that is biodegradable, extremely abundant and non-toxic. This study aimed to develop and characterize chitosan hydrogels in combination with nerolidol, in order to optimize the antimicrobial and healing properties. The hydrogels were prepared using a reaction of the chitosan with acetic acid solution, followed by the addition of 2 or 4% of the nerolidol. Using thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy, the incorporation of nerolidol in the hydrogel was confirmed. Direct contact tests using hydrogels and Staphylococcus aureus showed a synergistic effect in the materials, enabling total inhibition of bacterial growth. The hydrogel containing 2% nerolidol showed excellent healing effects. The beginning of re-epithelialization and reorganization of collagen was already observed on the 7th day of treatment. The material created proofed to be promising as a healing and antibacterial agent.