OBJECTIVE To prepare an oxygen-loaded gel based on Taraxaci Herba-derived cellulose nanofibrils and investigate its activity in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

METHODS Three types of oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNF^--1, CNF^--2, CNF^--3) with different degrees of substitution were synthesized via the TEMPO-mediated oxidation method. The metal ion species was determined by evaluating the cytotoxicity, cell proliferation-promoting effects, and gel-forming ability with oxidized cellulose nanofibrils. The optimal preparation conditions for the oxidized cellulose nanofibril gel were established, and oxygen nanobubbles were incorporated into the gel to assess its cellular activity.

RESULTS CNF^--3 contained the most carboxyl groups and exhibited the fastest gelation rate. As a concentration of 2.0%, it can quickly form a stable gel. Zn²⁺ demonstrated low cytotoxicity, strong proliferative activity, and favorable gel-forming performance. The CNF^--3 gel crosslinked with Zn²⁺ effectively encapsulated oxygen nanobubbles and exhibited favorable activity in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSION Taraxaci Herba-derived cellulose nanofibers can be crosslinked into a gel via metal ions and serve as a carrier for oxygen nanobubbles, showing potential for applications in wound healing and related treatments.