Rakkan T.Topham P.D.Mahomed A.Tighe B.J.Derry M.J.Krasian T.Tanadchangsaeng N.Srikaew N.Somsunan R.Jantanasakulwong K.Rachtanapun P.Worajittiphon P.Mahidol University2025-10-212025-10-212025-11-01International Journal of Biological Macromolecules Vol.330 (2025)01418130https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112702Diabetic wounds are often chronic, delaying healing and increasing amputation risk. Curcumin (CR), known for therapeutic benefits, has been explored for such wounds. This study developed a novel chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CP)-based hydrogel incorporating molybdenum disulfide (MoS<inf>2</inf>), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf>), and their 2D-2D hybrid (MoS<inf>2</inf>/g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf>) for CR delivery. The hybrid was synthesized via facile sonication and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. MoS<inf>2</inf>/g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf> significantly enhanced hydrogel mechanical strength and drug release. The CP/MoS<inf>2</inf>/g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf>/CR hydrogel exhibited higher toughness (3.35 ± 0.10 GJ/m³) than CP/MoS<inf>2</inf>/CR (1.53 ± 0.51 GJ/m³) and CP/CR (0.01 ± 0.00 GJ/m³), attributed to hydrogen bonding with the CP matrix. The hydrogel released 77.96 % CR within 4 days, outperforming CP/g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf>/CR due to greater hydrolytic degradation at pH 6.8. Release followed Korsmeyer–Peppas and Higuchi models, indicating diffusion and polymer swelling. The hybrid hydrogel also showed strong antioxidant activity (88.86 ± 0.07 % DPPH scavenging activity), antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative strains, and cytocompatibility (78 ± 2 % viability in L929 fibroblasts after 72 h). These findings suggest that CP/MoS<inf>2</inf>/g-C<inf>3</inf>N<inf>4</inf>/CR hydrogel is a promising candidate for efficient CR delivery, potentially enhancing diabetic wound healing.Materials ScienceBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular BiologyAgricultural and Biological SciencesArticleSCOPUS10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.1481852-s2.0-10501866717218790003