Bioinspired poly(aspartic acid) based hydrogel with ROS scavenging ability as mEGF carrier for wound repairing...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Poly(amino acid) hydrogels are crucial in biomedicine.
• Existing hydrogels require improved skin adhesion and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging for better wound repair.
• Mussel-inspired chemistry offers a promising route for enhanced biomaterial performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a self-healing hydrogel with catechol groups for improved skin adhesion and ROS scavenging.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and wound healing potential of the novel hydrogel.
• To investigate the hydrogel's efficacy as a drug delivery vehicle and wound dressing.

Main Methods:

• Poly(succinimide) (PSI) was modified with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DA) to introduce catechol groups, followed by hydrazinolysis to yield dopamine-modified poly(aspartic hydrazide) (PDAH).
• PDAH was crosslinked with PEO90 dialdehyde (PEO90 DA) to form the self-healing hydrogel.
• In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, skin adhesion strength, ROS scavenging, albumin release, and wound healing efficacy (with mouse Epidermal Growth Factor, mEGF) were assessed.

Main Results:

• The synthesized PDAH/PEO90 DA hydrogel exhibited enhanced skin adhesion and ROS scavenging capabilities.
• The hydrogel demonstrated good in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.
• Sustained albumin release was observed, and mEGF-loaded hydrogel significantly accelerated wound repair in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Catechol functionalization of poly(amino acid) hydrogels significantly enhances adhesion and antioxidant properties.
• The mussel-inspired PDAH/PEO90 DA hydrogel is biocompatible and effective for wound healing applications.
• This novel hydrogel shows potential as an advanced wound dressing material for accelerated tissue regeneration.