Wound healing effect of fucoidan-loaded gelatin/oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel

Various wound dressings are under development to accelerate wound healing, and hydrogels in particular have the potential to create ideal conditions for wound healing. In this study, we investigated a novel hydrogel based on gelatin/oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose loaded with fucoidan derived from Ecklonia cava (ECF) for wound treatment. The mechanical stability and self-healing ability of the hydrogel were optimized, and its cytocompatibility was demonstrated against RAW 264.7 macrophages and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Furthermore, sustained drug release from the fabricated hydrogels depending on ECF concentration exhibited radical scavenging ability, induction of collagen production, promotion of cell migration, reduction of nitric oxide levels, and cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress in the ROS microenvironment, attributing these effects to the wound healing potential of bioactive ECF. In an in vivo experiments, GOC/F5 hydrogel was shown to significantly reduce wound area in a full-thickness ICR mouse model, and promoted re-epithelialization and collagen deposition to rapidly repair wounds. These results suggest that GOC/F5 hydrogels could be potentially used as an ideal dressing for wound healing.