3D-Printed hyaluronic acid-methyl cellulose interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels loaded with amoxicillin for...

Burn wounds often cause severe complications such as infection and delayed healing. Advanced scaffolds mimicking the extracellular matrix can promote tissue regeneration and reduce infection risk. In this work, an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel was engineered by crosslinking polyacrylamide within a hyaluronic-acid/methyl-cellulose matrix using extrusion-based 3D printing. Antibacterial functionality was achieved by incorporating amoxicillin (AMX) at different loadings. The ink's rheology confirmed strong shear-thinning behavior, suitable for layer-by-layer deposition. AMX addition slightly increased viscosity but maintained printability. Printed scaffolds were characterized for microstructure, thermal stability, chemistry, swelling, and degradation. They exhibited rapid water absorption and controlled mass loss over time. Antibacterial tests showed strong inhibition against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus for all AMX-loaded scaffolds, whereas the drug-free control displayed only minor activity, likely from HA. Cytocompatibility studies confirmed high fibroblast and keratinocyte viability, with the 0.5 wt% AMX scaffold achieving the best overall performance. These results indicate that HA/MC/AAm IPN hydrogels, particularly those with 0.5 wt% AMX, offer a promising 3D-printed platform combining structural integrity, sustained antibiotic release, and cell support, making them suitable candidates for burn wound management.