Biocompatible Photocrosslinked Chitosan- and Gelatin-Based Hydrogels for Wound Healing Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Chitosan and gelatin are biocompatible polymers with tunable properties for tissue repair.
• Developing advanced hydrogels is crucial for effective drug delivery in wound healing applications.
• Photocrosslinking offers precise control over hydrogel network formation and properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel photocrosslinked hydrogels based on methacrylated chitosan and modified gelatins.
• To evaluate the potential of these hydrogels as drug delivery systems for wound healing.
• To compare the properties of hydrogels based on methacrylated gelatin versus allyl-modified gelatin.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of methacrylated chitosan, methacrylated gelatin, and allyl-modified gelatin.
• Photocrosslinking of hydrogels using Irgacure 2959.
• Characterization using FT-IR, SEM, swelling tests, mechanical analysis, and drug release studies.
• In vitro evaluation of cytocompatibility and wound healing potential with fibroblasts.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of 3D hydrogel networks confirmed by FT-IR, SEM, and mechanical testing.
• Allylic gelatin hydrogels exhibited larger pores and enhanced pH-responsive swelling compared to methacrylated gelatin hydrogels.
• Hydrogels demonstrated controlled release of bacitracin via non-Fickian diffusion and showed antioxidant and protein stabilization properties.
• All hydrogels were cytocompatible and supported in vitro wound healing with fibroblasts.

Conclusions:

• The novel photocrosslinked chitosan-gelatin hydrogels are suitable for wound healing applications.
• The tunable properties of these hydrogels allow for optimization as drug delivery systems.
• The observed biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and wound healing potential highlight their therapeutic promise.