PVA/Gelatin/Cnidium monnieri Composite Scaffolds for Atopic Dermatitis Skin Tissue Regeneration

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by impaired barrier function and persistent inflammation, necessitating advanced therapeutic solutions. This study presents the development of a novel composite hydrogel scaffold composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin, and Cnidium monnieri (CM) extract, designed to address the dual challenges of tissue regeneration and inflammation suppression. Fabricated via optimized freeze-thaw crosslinking and lyophilization, the scaffold exhibited a highly porous structure conducive to enhanced cell proliferation and controlled bioactive release. FT-IR analysis confirmed robust intermolecular interactions among PVA, gelatin, and CM bioactives, while SEM imaging revealed a well-developed porous network. The UPLC analysis demonstrated the sustained release of key CM compounds, such as osthole and imperatorin, which contributed to the scaffold's anti-inflammatory properties. Biological assessments using HaCaT keratinocytes under inflammatory conditions induced by TNF-α and IFN-γ revealed improved cell viability and significant suppression of IL-8 expression, a critical marker in AD-related inflammation. These findings underscore the potential of the PVA/Gel/CM composite hydrogel as an advanced therapeutic platform for inflammatory skin disorders.