3D printed hollow channeled hydrogel scaffolds with antibacterial and wound healing activities

The development of hydrogel based scaffold with the capability of enhanced antibacterial effects and wound healing is the promising strategy for the treatment of wound tissues with bacterial infection. Herein, we fabricated a hollow channeled hydrogel scaffold based on the mixture of dopamine modified alginate (Alg-DA) and gelatin via co-axial 3D printing for the treatment of bacterial-infected wound. The scaffold was crosslinked by copper/calcium ions, which could enhance the structural stability and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, copper ions crosslinking endowed the scaffold with good photothermal effects. The photothermal effect and copper ions showed excellent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Moreover, the hollow channels and the sustained released copper ions could stimulate angiogenesis and accelerate wound healing process. Thus, the prepared hollow channeled hydrogel scaffold might be a potential candidate for promoting wound healing application.