A polyvinyl alcohol-gelatin composite hydrogel dressing for accelerated wound healing under electrical stimulation

Searching for more effective and safer approaches to promote wound healing is a significant focus for addressing the limitations of hydrogel dressings. Herein, a composite conductive hydrogel was engineered to accelerate wound healing via inherent properties and combined with electrical stimulation (ES). The hydrogel was fabricated by incorporating polydopamine encapsulated magnesium organic framework (Mg-GA MOF@PDA) and recombinant type-III collagen (rCol) into the dynamic crosslinking framework of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin, and borax. The dynamic crosslinking of borate bonds endowed the hydrogel with excellent mechanical stability, tissue adhesion, and self-healing capacity. The cell influence and wound healing potential of this conductive hydrogel, combined with various ES therapies, have been systematically explored both in vitro and in vivo. As indicated, this hydrogel dressing can efficiently facilitate conduction of exogenous ES, thereby promoting fibroblast migration, neovascularization, and extracellular matrix regeneration. Overall, the combination of this multi-functional conductive hydrogel dressing and ES therapy offers an auxiliary perspective for accelerated wound healing.