Exploring alginate/zinc oxide-based 3D-printed structures for application as customizable wound dressings

Chronic wounds represent a significant global healthcare burden due to the limited effectiveness of current therapeutic strategies. To address this critical need, we developed 3D-printed regenerative wound dressings that can be customized with antimicrobial drugs tailored to individual patient requirements. A novel semisolid extrusion ink combining the biocompatibility and printing properties of alginate (Alg) with the regenerative properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was produced. Two types of dressings were successfully printed by varying the concentrations of ZnO and HPC: ZnO:HPC at 11:10 and 20:20 % (w/v). Both inks presented an adequate rheological shear-thinning behavior, resulting in wound dressings with a stable matrix structure. Moreover, to grant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, an octenidine (OCT)-hydrogel was loaded into the dressing's macropores. The unloaded dressings with ZnO at 20 % (w/v) and all the OCT-loaded dressings presented antibiofilm activity, showing a biofilm reduction of ∼ 75 % against S. aureus. In vitro cellular assays indicated that the unloaded dressings provided regenerative potential by showing wound closure approximately completed in 48 h, highlighting the regenerative potential of the Alg:ZnO:HPC ink. These dressings exhibited in vitro and in vivo cytocompatibility, along with regenerative potential evidenced by collagen deposition and rapid wound closure. OCT-loaded matrices retained the regenerative potential and biocompatibility of the unloaded dressings, supporting their suitability as a platform for advanced wound management.