Abstract
Biopolymer-based sponges incorporating chlorhexidine (CHX) and CaCl₂ were developed as potential topical biomaterials for post-dental extraction wound management. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and Chitosan (CHS) sponges containing hyaluronic acid (HA), glycerol (G), chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂, Ca2+) were characterized in terms of their physicochemical properties, hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, neutrophil activation and microbial growth control. The CHX-loaded sponges exhibited no detectable hemolysis (0%), compared with 22.67% for the control formulation, and markedly reduced neutrophil activation, as indicated by CD11b and CD69 expression. Although no significant growth inhibition was observed, the sponges prevented abnormal microbial proliferation, maintaining a stable microbial population. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of CHX-loaded biopolymer sponges as hemocompatible topical biomaterials for post-extraction wound management alveolar tissue repair.