Gelatin-based instant gel-forming volatile spray for wound-dressing application

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing Research
• First Aid Innovations

Background:

• Developing effective and convenient wound care solutions is crucial for first aid.
• Existing treatments may lack bioadhesion, rapid application, or broad-spectrum efficacy.
• Gelatin offers a promising biocompatible base for wound dressings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel bioadhesive, sprayable wound-healing gel.
• To assess the gel's suitability for immediate first-aid application.
• To investigate its properties including gelation time, bioadhesion, pain suppression, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• A gelatin-based solution was formulated using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and diethyl ether (DEE).
• The solution's stability, rapid gelation upon spraying, bioadhesive properties, and wound coverage were evaluated.
• Pain suppression, antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, and biocompatibility/toxicity were assessed.

Main Results:

• The developed solution formed a stable precursor that rapidly transformed into a bioadhesive gel within 3 seconds upon spraying onto a wound.
• The gel demonstrated effective wound coverage, pain suppression, and moderate antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.
• The formulation was found to be highly biocompatible and non-toxic.

Conclusions:

• The developed gelatin-based bioadhesive gel is a promising candidate for effective first-aid wound management.
• Its rapid formation, bioadhesion, and beneficial biological properties support its use for minor injuries and burns.
• This innovation offers a convenient and potentially superior option for immediate wound care.