Self-Healing Injectable Double Cross-Linked Hydrogels and Oriented Network-Structured Aerogels as Foodborne...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Wound Healing
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Acute wounds present complex challenges requiring immediate hemostasis and specialized care.
• Existing wound dressings often lack the adaptability for diverse clinical injury scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel protein- and polysaccharide-based hydrogel and aerogel dressings for advanced wound management.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of these biomaterials for various types of acute wounds.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a double cross-linked hydrogel using gelatin (Gel), oxidized konjac glucomannan (OKGM), and borax.
• Fabricated an oriented network-structured aerogel from silk fibroin (SF), xanthan gum (XG), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) via ice templating.
• Assessed hydrogel/aerogel properties including self-healing, injectability, degradation, water absorption, and hemostatic ability, alongside biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Results:

• The Gel-OKGM-Borax hydrogel showed adjustable self-healing, injectability, and biodegradability, suitable for deep, irregular wounds.
• The SF-XG-PVA aerogel exhibited flexibility, rapid water absorption (112 s), and slower degradation, ideal for superficial wounds.
• Both hydrogel and aerogel demonstrated significant hemostatic effects, good biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory properties, and promoted skin wound healing.

Conclusions:

• Developed adaptable hydrogel and aerogel biomaterials for effective acute wound management.
• The Gel-OKGM-Borax hydrogel and SF-XG-PVA aerogel show promise as advanced wound dressings with tailored therapeutic benefits.
• These novel biomaterials offer potential for improved clinical outcomes in diverse wound scenarios.