Abstract
<div xmlns="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><p>A novel composite hydrogel was synthesized via Schiff base reaction between chitosan and difunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (DF-PEG), incorporating glucose oxidase (GOx) and cobalt metalorganic frameworks (Co-MOF). The resulting CS/PEG/GOx@Co-MOF composite hydrogel was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results confirmed successful integration and uniform</p></div> <div xmlns="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><head>J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f</head><p>Journal Pre-proof distribution of Co-MOF within the hydrogel matrix. Functionally, the hydrogel exploits the catalytic decomposition of glucose by GOx to generate gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while Co-MOF gradually releases metal ions and protects GOx. This synergy enhanced the antibacterial activity of the composite hydrogel against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), outperforming conventional chitosan-based hydrogels. The potential of the composite hydrogel in treating wound infections was evaluated through antibacterial and wound healing experiments. Overall, CS/PEG/GOx@Co-MOF hydrogel holds great promise for the treatment of wound infections, paving the way for further research and potential clinical applications.</p></div>