Development of high-strength, 3D-printable, and biocompatible gelatin/κ-carrageenan dual-network hydrogels for wound...

Gelatin/κ-carrageenan (Gel/KC) hydrogel has exhibited a significant potential in tissue engineering, however, there is still a need to further enhance its structural properties. This study developed a Gel/KC dual-network hydrogel with superior mechanical properties and structural stability, which was integrated with 3D printing to evaluate its ability to promote wound healing. The hydrogels with seven different Gel and KC ratios were prepared and characterized using rheological testing, thermal analysis, spectral analysis, micromorphology observation, and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the Gel/KC hydrogel at a ratio of 25:15 (G25/K15) exhibited optimal thermostability, shear-thinning behavior, and recovery characteristics. Further texture profile analysis and 3D printing tests revealed that G25/K15 also exhibited superior mechanical strength (1800 g) and favorable printing properties. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that the cell culture scaffold printed with G25/K15 hydrogel could integrate with skin fibroblasts and promote the generation of new myofibrillar proteins, with cell viability remaining above 80 %. In vivo studies showed that the G25/K15 hydrogel accelerated wound healing in rats with full-thickness skin defects, without observed systemic toxicity. These results suggest that the G25/K15 hydrogel may serve as an ideal material for promoting wound healing.