Hemp Protein Isolate-Based Natural Thermal-Reversible Hydrogel as a Novel Wound Dressing Material

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Wound Healing Technologies

Background:

• Hydrogels are advanced biomaterials for wound dressings due to their microstructure and mechanical properties.
• Plant proteins are underexplored for hydrogel fabrication owing to poor gelling and rheological characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a plant protein-based thermal-reversible hydrogel using hemp protein isolate (HPI).
• To characterize the microstructure, rheological properties, and anti-inflammatory effects of the novel hydrogel.
• To evaluate its potential as a natural wound dressing material.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of thermal-reversible hydrogel using reverse micelle-extracted HPI.
• Modulation of protein concentration (4% HPI) and temperature (85 °C).
• Microstructural analysis, rheological characterization (including large amplitude oscillatory shear), and toxicity testing.

Main Results:

• A thermal-reversible HPI gel with filament structure was formed, driven by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds.
• The thermal-reversible HPI gel exhibited lower gel strength and a wider linear viscoelastic regime compared to thermal-irreversible HPI gel.
• The gel demonstrated soft gel characteristics, including intracycle strain stiffening and shear thinning, alongside being non-toxic and promoting neutrophil growth.

Conclusions:

• A novel plant protein-based thermal-reversible hydrogel was successfully fabricated from HPI.
• The developed hydrogel possesses desirable properties for wound dressing applications, including injectability and wound coverage.
• This study presents a new pathway for utilizing plant proteins in developing natural, functional hydrogels for advanced wound care.