Dual Functionalized Injectable Hybrid Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel for Burn Wounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has limitations in burn wound management due to low strength and rapid biodegradation.
• Existing ADM platforms struggle to serve as effective in situ cell delivery systems for complex wound healing.
• There is a need for enhanced biomaterials that support cell function and promote tissue regeneration in burn injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modified acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with improved mechanical properties and biodegradability for burn wound applications.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility, angiogenic potential, and antibacterial activity of the novel CsADM-Cl hydrogel.
• To assess the efficacy of CsADM-Cl in promoting the healing of full-thickness burn wounds.

Main Methods:

• Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was modified using dual cross-linking with chitosan (ionic) and an iodine-modified furan derivative (covalent), creating CsADM-Cl.
• Characterization included assessment of stiffness, biodegradation rate, cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration assays using fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
• In vivo studies involved chick chorioallantoic membrane assay for angiogenesis and full-thickness burn wound models in rodents.

Main Results:

• The dual cross-linking approach significantly improved the stiffness and reduced the biodegradation rate of the ADM, creating CsADM-Cl.
• CsADM-Cl supported human fibroblast and keratinocyte adhesion, proliferation, and migration, indicating good biocompatibility.
• The modified matrix demonstrated potent angiogenic potential, excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, and accelerated burn wound healing with enhanced tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

• The developed CsADM-Cl hydrogel is a bioactive and injectable antibacterial matrix with enhanced structural integrity and biodegradability.
• CsADM-Cl effectively promotes burn wound healing by improving angiogenesis, dermal-epidermal junction formation, collagen deposition, and appendage development.
• This novel biomaterial shows significant clinical potential for managing critical burn wounds and addressing unmet clinical needs in regenerative medicine.