Hybrid Hydrogel Supplemented with Algal Polysaccharide for Potential Use in Biomedical Applications
Dana Stan1, Andreea-Cristina Mirica1, Sorin Mocanu1
1DDS Diagnostic, 031427 Bucharest, Romania.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 24, 2025
Summary
This study developed novel hydrogels incorporating Ulvan, a natural algae compound, for advanced wound dressings. These Ulvan-enriched hydrogels show enhanced mechanical strength and biocompatibility, paving the way for improved wound healing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Marine Biotechnology
Background:
- Hydrogels offer biocompatibility and biodegradability for biomedical uses.
- Incorporating natural compounds can enhance hydrogel properties for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize novel hybrid hydrogels enriched with Ulvan for wound dressing applications.
- To evaluate the structural, mechanical, chemical, and biological properties of Ulvan-modified hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Hydrogel preparation and characterization using pH, swelling, moisture content, gel fraction, degradation, protein adsorption, rheology, SEM.
- Biocompatibility testing via cell viability assays.
- In vitro wound healing assessment using scratch wound assay.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels with 1 mg/mL Ulvan exhibited improved mechanical properties, a 264% swelling index, 55% water content, and reduced degradation.
- Ulvan inclusion enhanced gel strength and deformation resistance in Alginate + PVA + 1.0ULV hydrogels.
- All hydrogels demonstrated good biocompatibility with >70% cell viability.
Conclusions:
- Ulvan incorporation enhances the properties of hybrid hydrogels for potential wound dressing applications.
- The developed hydrogels show promise for wound healing due to improved mechanical and biocompatibility profiles.
- Future research will focus on incorporating bioactive compounds and evaluating their release and efficacy.
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