Janus-loaded Zn2+ composite film dressing based on chitin from Periplaneta americana effectively promotes wound healing.

This study compared the application-specific benefits of PAC (Periplaneta americana chitin) and SC (Shrimp chitin) blended with PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) in innovative wound-dressing materials. By preparing SC/PEG and PAC/PEG porous blended membranes, it was found that PAC/PEG has better breathability, degradability. Based on this, we developed a Janus PAC/PEG@Zn0.3 composite film dressing for wound healing. After crosslinking PAC with PEG, a hydrophilic layer was formed through phase separation and selective dissolution, loaded with Zn2+, and combined with a hydrophobic PCL (Polycaprolactone) membrane using a simple coating technique. This composite film has the characteristics of being moist, breathable, and stretchable, and exhibits good biodegradability and compatibility. The addition of Zn2+ enhanced the hemostatic and antibacterial properties of the film. The mouse wound healing experiment showed that the dressing promoted collagen deposition and capillary generation, accelerating wound healing. Overall, the Janus PAC/PEG@Zn0.3 composite film is a wound dressing with promising application prospects.