Development of a multifunctional injectable temperature-sensitive gelatin-based adhesive double-network hydrogel.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Gelatin-based bioadhesives are promising for wound treatment due to biocompatibility.
• Limitations include insufficient adhesive strength and versatility.
• Need for advanced wound care materials with enhanced therapeutic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a multifunctional, injectable, temperature-sensitive gelatin-based adhesive double-network hydrogel (DNGel).
• To evaluate the therapeutic properties and wound healing potential of the DNGel.
• To address limitations of current gelatin-based bioadhesives.

Main Methods:

• Developed DNGel using a facile dual-syringe methodology.
• Employed an integrative crosslinking strategy with catechol-Fe3+ and NIPAAm-methacryloyl complexation.
• Conducted comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing.

Main Results:

• Engineered DNGel exhibited temperature-sensitivity, mechanical flexibility, and good adhesive strength.
• The hydrogel demonstrated injectability, self-healing, antibacterial activity, hemostasis, and accelerated wound healing.
• Bioinspired dynamic double-network structure stabilized by molecular interactions.

Conclusions:

• DNGel possesses multifunctional therapeutic properties for advanced wound management.
• The adhesive hydrogel effectively promotes hemostasis and wound healing via revascularization.
• Represents a next-generation smart adhesive patch with significant clinical potential.