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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Nanoparticle-driven self-assembling injectable hydrogels provide a multi-factorial approach for chronic wound
Sílvia Pérez-Rafael1, Kristina Ivanova1, Ivaylo Stefanov1
1Group of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Rambla Sant Nebridi, 22, Terrassa 08222, Spain.
Acta Biomaterialia
|July 16, 2021
Summary
This study developed advanced hydrogels using thiolated hyaluronic acid and silver-lignin nanoparticles to treat chronic wounds. These innovative dressings effectively combat bacteria and harmful enzymes, promoting faster tissue repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Chronic wounds pose a significant healthcare challenge, requiring advanced treatments.
- Current wound dressings often fail to address the multiple factors contributing to chronicity, such as bacterial infection and enzymatic degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop multifunctional hydrogels for effective chronic wound management.
- To create a novel dressing material capable of simultaneously targeting proteolytic enzymes, oxidative stress, and bacterial load.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH) and silver-lignin nanoparticles (Ag@Lig NPs) to form hybrid nanocomposite hydrogels.
- Characterization of hydrogel properties including shear-thinning, self-healing, and controlled release of silver.
- In vitro evaluation of enzyme inhibition (myeloperoxidase, matrix metalloproteinases), antioxidant activity, and antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- In vivo assessment of wound healing in a diabetic mouse model and biocompatibility testing on human keratinocytes.
Main Results:
- The developed HA-SH/Ag@Lig NPs hydrogels exhibited shear-thinning and self-healing capabilities.
- Hydrogels demonstrated effective inhibition of key enzymes (myeloperoxidase, matrix metalloproteinases) and provided antioxidant and potent antibacterial activity.
- In vivo studies showed complete tissue remodeling and restoration of skin integrity in diabetic mice without toxicity or inflammation.
- Controlled, zero-order release of silver was observed in response to infection-related hyaluronidase.
Conclusions:
- The self-assembled HA-SH/Ag@Lig NPs hydrogels are biocompatible, multifunctional materials for advanced chronic wound management.
- These hydrogels effectively address multiple aspects of wound chronicity, including bacterial load and enzymatic imbalance.
- The developed material shows significant potential for promoting efficient healing and restoring skin integrity in complex wounds.
