RESUMEN
Hydrogels made with depolymerized guar gum, oxidized with theoretical oxidation degrees of 20, 35 and 50â¯%, were obtained via Schiff's base reaction with N-succinyl chitosan. The materials obtained were subjected to characterization by FT-IR, rheology, swelling, degradation, and morphology. Additionally, their gelation time categorized all three hydrogels as injectable. The materials' swelling degrees in Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) were in the range of 26-35â¯g of fluid/g gel and their pore size distribution was heterogeneous, with pores varying from 67 to 93⯵m. All hydrogels degraded in PBS solution, but maintained around 40â¯% of their initial mass after 28â¯days, which was more than enough time for wound healing. The biomaterials were also flexible, self-repairing, adhesive and cytocompatible and presented intrinsic actions, regardless of the presence of additives or antibiotics, against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). However, the most pronounced bactericidal effect was against resistant Staphylococcus aureus - MRSA. In vivo assays, performed with 50â¯% oxidized gum gel, demonstrated that this material exerted anti-inflammatory effects, accelerating the healing process and restoring tissues by approximately 99â¯% within 14â¯days. In conclusion, these hydrogels have unique characteristics, making them excellent candidates for wound-healing dressings.