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Fluorinated Methacrylamide Chitosan Hydrogels Enhance Cellular Wound Healing Processes
Sridhar Akula1, Ivy K Brosch1, Nic D Leipzig2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Akron, 200 East Buchtel Common, Akron, OH, 44325-3906, USA.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|August 3, 2017
Summary
This study developed a novel oxygen-delivering hydrogel (MACF) to combat chronic wounds caused by low oxygen. MACF successfully improved cellular functions essential for wound healing in low-oxygen conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Wound Healing Research
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Low oxygen (hypoxia) impairs wound healing, leading to chronic wounds.
- Effective oxygen delivery to wound sites remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel oxygen-delivering chitosan hydrogel (MACF) for wound healing.
- To investigate the effects of MACF on cellular functions under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Created a perfluorocarbon conjugated chitosan (MACF) hydrogel.
- Applied MACF to in vitro cultures of human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes.
- Assessed oxygen levels, cell metabolism, DNA synthesis, cell migration, and ATP production.
Main Results:
- MACF hydrogel provided sustained oxygen release, increasing local partial pressure by ~17 mmHg.
- MACF significantly improved cell metabolism, DNA synthesis, and migration under hypoxia.
- MACF treatment enhanced cellular ATP levels under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions (p < 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Local oxygen supply via MACF hydrogels effectively combats hypoxia.
- MACF improves critical cellular functions necessary for wound healing.
- This technology shows promise for treating chronic wounds associated with hypoxia.
