Innovative Sericin-Based Film-Forming Gel for Wound Healing: Development and Performance Evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Care

Background:

• Effective wound dressings are crucial for healing, infection control, and tissue regeneration.
• Sericin, a silk protein, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are explored for wound dressing applications.
• Film-forming gels offer advantages like flexibility, adhesion, and reduced application frequency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the wound-healing potential of sericin-based film-forming gels.
• To optimize sericin and PVA concentrations for superior physical and biological properties.
• To assess the anti-inflammatory and cell-promoting capabilities of the best-performing formulation.

Main Methods:

• Six sericin-PVA formulations were prepared and characterized for physical properties (drying time, pH, spreadability, stability, swelling, flexibility, adhesion).
• The optimal formulation (F4, 1% sericin) was selected based on superior performance.
• Biological evaluations included cell compatibility (fibroblast cells), cell proliferation, migration assays, and assessment of anti-inflammatory effects (iNOS expression, nitric oxide production).

Main Results:

• The F4 formulation (1% sericin) exhibited optimal physical properties, including fast drying, good spreadability, stability, swelling, flexibility, and skin adhesion.
• F4 demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with skin fibroblast cells.
• Significant promotion of cell proliferation and migration was observed, alongside notable anti-inflammatory effects.
• The formulation maintained a suitable pH for wound healing.

Conclusions:

• The sericin-based film-forming gel (F4) presents a promising wound dressing with excellent mechanical stability, biological activity, and ease of application.
• This formulation has significant potential for treating both acute and chronic wounds.
• Further research may validate its clinical efficacy in diverse wound types.