• A Bioactive Hydrogel Based on Crocin and Chitosan: Physicochemical Properties, Antibacterial Activity, and Skin Tissue Repair Potential
  • Mohammad Jahantigh,1 Saeedeh Askarian,2,* Alishir haidari,3 Yaser Yousefpoor,4 Seyed Mohsen Saleh,5
    1. Department of Medical Biotechnology, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
    2. Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
    3. Department of basic science, faculty of stomatology, ghalib University,Kabul,Afghanistan.
    4. Research Center of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
    5. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Neyshabur, Neyshabur, Iran


  • Introduction: Hydrogels are cross-linked networks of hydrophilic polymers capable of absorbing biological fluids and maintaining a moist environment, making them ideal candidates for skin tissue engineering and wound healing applications. this study aimed to develop a novel bioactive hydrogel composed of chitosan and crocin and to evaluate its physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility, and wound healing potential.
  • Methods: the hydrogel was synthesized by incorporating crocin into a chitosan matrix. Physicochemical characterization included porosity, swelling ratio, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), density, and mass loss. Antibacterial activity was assessed against bacterias. Biocompatibility was evaluated using an MTT assay on fibroblast cells, and in vitro wound healing potential was investigated via a scratch assay.
  • Results: the chitosan–crocin hydrogel exhibited a porous structure with high swelling capacity and appropriate WVTR. Cytotoxicity testing confirmed the hydrogel’s biocompatibility, and the scratch assay indicated enhanced cell migration, suggesting its ability to promote tissue regeneration.
  • Conclusion: The combination of chitosan’s biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties with crocin’s potent antioxidant activity resulted in a promising hydrogel for wound healing. These findings support the potential of the chitosan–crocin hydrogel as a next-generation wound dressing. Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate its clinical applicability.
  • Keywords: Hydrogel, Chitosan, Crocin, in vitro, Wound dressing