Stretchable and Adhesive SeNPs-Loaded Strong Hydrogel Film with Multifunctional Bioactivity toward Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Effective wound management requires materials with both mechanical integrity and bioactive properties.
• Existing wound dressings often lack the necessary combination of strength, flexibility, and antimicrobial action.
• Advanced hydrogel platforms are needed to address complex wound healing challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional, stretchable, and adhesive hydrogel film for advanced wound healing.
• To incorporate selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) into a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based hydrogel to impart enhanced bioactivity.
• To evaluate the mechanical, adhesive, and biological properties of the SeNP-loaded hydrogel for wound care applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel film using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), punicalagin (PUN), glycerol (GLY), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS).
• Incorporation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) into the hydrogel matrix.
• Assessment of mechanical properties (strength, elasticity), adhesion, antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm, and antioxidant activities.
• Evaluation of the hydrogel's effect on cell proliferation to determine its efficacy in supporting tissue repair.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogel film exhibited high mechanical strength, elasticity, and reliable adhesion, suitable for dynamic wound environments.
• The SeNP-integrated hydrogel demonstrated significant antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal activities.
• The hydrogel possessed strong antioxidant capacity, promoting cell proliferation and supporting tissue regeneration.
• The combination of mechanical robustness and multifunctional bioactivity was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The SeNP-loaded hydrogel film is a promising multifunctional material for advanced wound healing.
• Its mechanical properties, adhesion, and potent bioactivity (antimicrobial, antioxidant) make it suitable for therapeutic wound management.
• This innovative hydrogel platform has the potential to accelerate tissue repair, prevent infection, and reduce oxidative stress in wounds.