Directional Liquid Transport Enabled pH-Responsive Hierarchical Composite for Enhanced Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Wound Care

Background:

• Persistent inflammation and infection in macerated wounds impede skin repair.
• Developing advanced wound management strategies is crucial for effective healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a novel composite material for regulating liquid transport and promoting skin wound repair.
• To investigate the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and regenerative properties of the developed composite.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite with a gradient architecture: hydrophobic top layer, hydrophilic gel-forming middle layer, and drug-loaded fibrous layers.
• Incorporation of pH-responsive, dual-drug release for synergistic therapeutic effects.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antioxidant, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities.

Main Results:

• The composite demonstrated directional liquid transport, efficient water absorption, and breathability.
• pH-responsive drug release provided synergistic anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, minimizing maceration.
• Significant reduction in infection and inflammation, accelerated wound closure, and enhanced new tissue formation observed in vivo.

Conclusions:

• The engineered hierarchical composite is a multifunctional therapeutic platform for advanced wound management.
• The gradient architecture effectively regulates the wound microenvironment, promoting tissue regeneration.
• This innovative material shows significant clinical potential for treating complex skin wounds.