Chitosan derivative-based mussel-inspired hydrogels used as dressings for infectious wound healing

•Mussel-inspired hydrogels using catechol-grafted-chitosan (CACS) and cysteine-modified-chitosan (CYCS) as raw materials and ferric chloride as a cross-linking agent.•The CACS-Fe3+-CYCS hydrogel showed a more stable elastic system, faster gelation speed, stronger adhesion, better swelling, and water retention capacity.•Low skin irritation hydrogels were prepared by combining traditional Chinese medicine (the total flavones of Resina Draconis) and novel wound dressings.•The prepared hydrogels can control infection and promote epidermal growth, granulation, and angiogenesis in the early stages of wound healing.