Gelatin-Syringaldehyde-Zinc Hydrogel: A Triple-Action Bioactive Dressing for Infected Wound Regeneration.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Skin injury compromises the epidermal barrier, leading to bacterial infection and oxidative stress, which impede wound healing.
• Effective wound management requires strategies to combat infection, reduce oxidative damage, and promote tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional gelatin-syringaldehyde-zinc (GSZ) composite hydrogel for enhanced wound healing.
• To investigate the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, antioxidant, and antibacterial efficacy of the GSZ hydrogel.
• To evaluate the in vivo therapeutic potential of the GSZ hydrogel in a murine wound model.

Main Methods:

• The GSZ hydrogel was synthesized using Michael addition and Zn2+-mediated coordination cross-linking.
• Physicochemical properties including microstructure, photocross-linking, and swelling were characterized.
• In vitro assays assessed biocompatibility, cell proliferation, migration, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities.
• In vivo efficacy was evaluated in a Staphylococcus aureus-infected full-thickness wound model in mice.

Main Results:

• The GSZ hydrogel demonstrated a porous structure, rapid photocross-linking, and adequate swelling.
• In vitro studies showed excellent biocompatibility, enhanced cell proliferation and migration, potent antioxidant, and broad-spectrum antibacterial effects.
• In vivo, the GSZ hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure, promoted epithelialization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition.

Conclusions:

• The developed GSZ hydrogel is a promising multifunctional biomaterial for wound management.
• This bioactive hydrogel integrates antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pro-regenerative properties for treating complex wounds.
• The study highlights a synergistic approach to designing advanced wound dressings for infected and chronic wound scenarios.