A review on polymeric hydrogel membranes for wound dressing applications: PVA-based hydrogel dressings

Fabrication of l-proline enriched alginate dialdehyde-gelatin hydrogel thin films for efficient wound healing applications

Hydrogel-based wound management systems represent a promising avenue in tissue engineering for restoring and preserving the normal functionality of damaged tissues. Incorporating active components into hydrogel matrices enhances their suitability for biomedical applications. In this study, we investigated the integration of l-proline, a nonessential imino acid with largely unexplored roles in living systems, into alginate dialdehyde-gelatin hydrogel for wound healing purposes. Physicochemical properties of the resulting hydrogel film, termed ADAGLP, were meticulously evaluated, including wound healing efficacy in vitro and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis provided insights into the interaction between l-proline and ADAG. Films incorporating 0.5% l-proline were selected for comprehensive investigation. Comparative analysis revealed prolonged gelation time and increased water holding capacity of ADAGLP compared to ADAG films. Moreover, ADAGLP exhibited a significantly higher degradation rate (69.5 ± 3.2%) compared to ADAG (35.2 ± 1.6%). Remarkably, ADAGLP demonstrated cyto-compatibility, non-toxicity, and facilitated migration to the scratch area in vitro conditions. Notably, it exhibited potent anti-biofilm properties. Our findings suggest that ADAGLP hydrogel holds promise as a biomaterial for wound care, offering prolonged drug delivery and maintaining optimal moisture levels in wound areas. The incorporation of l-proline in the wound microenvironment may contribute to enhanced tissue remodeling, by inhibiting biofilm formation, further highlighting the potential of this hydrogel system in wound healing applications.

Biopolymer hydrogels and synergistic blends for tailored wound healing

Biopolymers have a transformative role in wound repair due to their biocompatibility, ability to stimulate collagen production, and controlled drug and growth factor delivery. This article delves into the biological parameters critical to wound healing emphasizing how combinations of hydrogels with reparative properties can be strategically designed to create matrices that stimulate targeted cellular responses at the wound site to facilitate tissue repair and recovery. Beyond a detailed examination of various biopolymer types and their functionalities in wound dressings acknowledging that the optimal choice depends on the specific wound type and application, this evaluation provides concepts for developing synergistic biopolymer blends to create next-generation dressings with enhanced efficiencies. Furthermore, the incorporation of therapeutic agents such as medications and wound healing accelerators into dressings to enhance their efficacy is examined. These agents often possess desirable properties such as antibacterial activity, antioxidant effects, and the ability to promote collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. Finally, recent advancements in conductive hydrogels are explored, highlighting their capabilities in treatment and real-time wound monitoring. This comprehensive resource emphasizes the importance of optimizing ingredient efficiency besides assisting researchers in selecting suitable materials for personalized wound dressings, ultimately leading to more sophisticated and effective wound management strategies.

Recent advances in the development of chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based hybrid materials for skin protection, regeneration, and healing: A review

Biomaterials play vital roles in regenerative medicine, specifically in tissue engineering applications. They promote angiogenesis and facilitate tissue creation and repair. The most difficult aspect of this field is acquiring smart biomaterials that possess qualities and functions that either surpass or are on par with those of synthetic products. The biocompatibility, biodegradability, film-forming capacity, and hydrophilic nature of the non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) (hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS)) have attracted significant attention. In addition, CS and HA possess remarkable inherent biological capabilities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress made in designing and fabricating CS/HA-based hybrid materials for dermatology applications. Various formulations utilizing CS/HA have been developed, including hydrogels, microspheres, films, foams, membranes, and nanoparticles, based on the fabrication protocol (physical or chemical). Each formulation aims to enhance the materials' remarkable biological properties while also addressing their limited stability in water and mechanical strength. Additionally, this review gave a thorough outline of future suggestions for enhancing the mechanical strength of CS/HA wound dressings, along with methods to include biomolecules to make them more useful in skin biomedicine applications.

Tissue adhesives based on chitosan for biomedical applications

Chitosan bio-adhesives bond strongly with various biological tissues, such as skin, mucosa, and internal organs. Their adhesive ability arises from amino acid and hydroxyl groups in chitosan, facilitating interactions with tissue surfaces through chemical (ionic, covalent, and hydrogen) and physical (chain entanglement) bonding. As non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible materials, chitosan bio-adhesives are a safe option for medical therapies. They are particularly suitable for drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. In this review, we address chitosan-based bio-adhesives and the mechanisms associated with them. We also discuss different chitosan composite-based bio-adhesives and their biomedical applications in wound healing, drug delivery, hemostasis, and tissue regeneration. Finally, challenges and future perspectives for the clinical use of chitosan-based bio-adhesives are discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of novel carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum - Poly (vinyl alcohol)/guar gum-based hydrogel film loaded with ciprofloxacin for biomedical applications

The current study delineates the synthesis of hydrogel films comprised of carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG), poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and guar gum (GG) using glutaraldehyde (GTA) as cross-linker. The hydrogel films were evaluated in terms of equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR), moisture content, thickness, wetting analysis, thermal, and mechanical analysis. The tensile strength value lies in the range of 95.80 to 149.07 MPa while elongation at break value lies in the range of 1.51 to 5.20 %. The FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of hydrogen bonding between CMTKG, PVA, and GG components of hydrogel film. FE-SEM micrographs indicated the rough surfaces of hydrogel film. TGA-DTA analysis confirmed that the thermal stability of hydrogel film was found to be increased by incorporating the ciprofloxacin (CFX) drug into the hydrogel matrix. CFX was embedded in the best-swelled hydrogel film and in-vitro drug release behavior was studied at alkaline pH 7.4 phosphate buffer solution. It was found that the maximum drug release was to be 73 % after 24 h at pH 7.4. Moreover, the release data was fitted in various kinetic models such as the First-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The best-fitted Korsmeyer-Peppas model suggested that the release of the drug follows Fickian diffusion and the value of diffusion exponent (n) was determined to be 0.38. The cytocompatibility of the hydrogel film was analyzed by MTT assay while the antibacterial behavior of the hydrogel film against E. coli and S. aureus showed clear zone of inhibition area. Thus, the overall results indicated that CMTKG/PVA/GG hydrogel film have potential to be used in the biomedical applications.

Influence of copper ion cross-linked CMC-PVA film on cell viability and cell proliferation study

In this study, films composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol were fabricated using the solution casting method. Citric acid (4 %) was employed as a cross-linking agent, while glycerol (3 %) as a plasticizer. Cupric chloride (CuCl2·2H2O) was used for cross-linking at concentrations 0.5 %, 1 %, and 3 % over different times. The cross-linking with copper ions led to a noticeable reduction in elasticity, with the breaking strain ranging from 17.9 %-52.9 %. The ion hydration phenomenon increased the contact angle and swelling ratio. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed esterification reactions and copper ion cross-linking with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC). The films showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ion-released mechanism followed was the non-Fickian super case-II type. The concentration and duration of cross-linking significantly influenced cell viability and proliferation. FE-SEM analysis revealed that effective concentrations of CuCl2.2H2O were 0.5 % and 1 %, and cross-linking times were 5-15 min, facilitating cell attachment and proliferation. Films are non-adhesive with water vapor permeation 800-900 g/m2/day. These results indicate the potential use of the films in treating second-degree burn wounds with low to medium exudate levels. This study provides valuable insights into the development of copper-infused materials for advanced wound healing applications.

A novel biological antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/polyionic liquid hydrogel for wound dressing

The release of antibiotics or anions by traditional bacteriostatic agents led to the development of bacterial drug resistance and environmental pollution. Ionic liquids (ILs) have become important choices for antibacterial agents because of their excellent physical, chemical and biological properties. In this paper, the bioactivities of 1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride ([VBIM]Cl, IL) and poly (1-vinyl-3-butylimidazolium chloride) (P[VBIM]Cl, PIL) were evaluated, and the potential antibacterial material was used to synthesize hydrogels. Using the colony formation assay and the Oxford cup method, antibacterial effect of IL and PIL were tested. Cell-Counting-Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiments were used to study the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values of IL and showed 1.47 mg/mL, 0.35 mg/mL and 0.33 mg/mL at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The IC50 value of PIL were 12.15 μg/mL, 12.06 μg/mL and 11.76 μg/mL at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, respectively. The PIL is further crosslinked with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form a novel hydrogel through freeze-thaw cycles. The newly fabricated hydrogel exhibited a high water content, excellent water absorption properties and outstanding mechanical performance. Using the colony formation assay and the inhibition zone assay, the hydrogels exhibited favorable antibacterial effects (against E.coli and S.aureus) such that nearly 100% of the bacteria were killed in liquid medium while cultivating with H4 (synthesized by 0.5 g PIL and 1g PVA). In addition, the cytotoxicity of PIL was significantly reduced through hydrogen bond crosslinking. H4 showed the highest antibacterial activity and a good biocompatibility. The results indicated that the PVA&PIL hydrogels had great potential for wound dressing.

The effect of platelet-rich plasma and sodium alginate hydrogel on corneal wound healing after corneal alkali burns in rats with computer-assisted anterior segment optical coherence tomography image analysis

Our objective was to determine the effect of a semi-synthetic sodium alginate hydrogel and its combination with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on histopathological, biochemical, clinical, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) data. Alkali chemical burn of the cornea was induced. Injured rats were randomly divided into five equal groups and topically treated with phosphate-buffered saline (sham), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), 0.5% sodium citrate, a semi-synthetic sodium alginate hydrogel, or a combination of PRP and hydrogel (combined group) three times daily. The degree of corneal opacity (CO), corneal epithelial staining (CES), percentage of corneal epithelial defects (CEDP), degree of ciliary hyperemia (CH), neovascularization size (NVS), and extent of neovascularization (NVE) were evaluated. AS-OCT was performed at nine days, and then rats were sacrificed. Histological examination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to detect the concentrations of IL-1β and MMP-9 in the cornea. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding CEDP, CO, CES, CH, NVS, or NVE on the first day after corneal alkali burn injury (p > 0,05). At the last examination, CO was significantly lower in the PRP group than in the sham group (p = 0,044), while the CO concentrations were similar in terms of NVS (p > 0,05). Similarly, in terms of tissue MMP-9 levels, there were no significant differences between groups (p > 0,05). However, there was a significant difference in tissue IL-1β levels between the groups (p < 0,001). In the PRP and combined groups, the level of IL-1β was significantly lower than that in the sham group (p = 0,043 and p = 0,036, respectively). There was a significant difference in epithelial necrosis between the PRP, and it was the lowest in the combined group (p = 0,003). Epithelial thickness was highest in the combined group (p = 0,002). CEDP was significantly different at the last visit between the groups (p = 0.042). The fastest epithelial closing rate was observed for the combined group (p = 0,026). There was a significant negative correlation between tissue MMP-9 levels and corneal solidity and between tissue MMP-9 levels and the corneal area according to the AS-OCT measurements (p = 0,012 and p = 0,027, respectively). When used alone, topical hydrogel application did not significantly enhance the healing of corneal wounds. However, when combined with PRP, it leads to an increased rate of epithelial closure and neovascularization. This combination did not exacerbate inflammation or corneal opacity compared to PRP alone. The anticoagulant citrate solution in the PRP tube did not prove effective. The synergistic use of PRP and hydrogel could enhance epithelial thickness and reduce epithelial necrosis. The use of new parameters for corneal wound healing assessment was facilitated through AS-OCT image processing.

Auricular cartilage regeneration using chondroitin sulfate-based hydrogel with mesenchymal stem cells in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Cartilage is an avascular and alymphatic tissue that lacks the intrinsic ability to undergo spontaneous repair and regeneration in the event of significant injury. The efficacy of conventional therapies for invasive cartilage injuries is limited, thereby prompting the emergence of cartilage tissue engineering as a possible alternative. In this study, we fabricated three-dimensional hydrogel films utilizing sodium alginate (SA), gelatin (Gel), and chondroitin sulfate (CS). These films were included with Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) and intended for cartilage tissue regeneration.

METHODS

The hydrogel film that were prepared underwent evaluation using various techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, assessment of the degree of swelling, degradation analysis, determination of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), measurement of water contact angle (WCA), evaluation of mechanical strength, and assessment of biocompatibility. The rabbit ear cartilage regeneration by hydrogel films with and without of WJ-MSCs was studied by histopathological investigations during 15, 30, and 60 days.

RESULTS

The hydrogel films containing CS exhibited superior metrics compared to other nanocomposites such as better mechanical strength (12.87 MPa in SA/Gel compared to 15.56 in SA/Gel/CS), stability, hydrophilicity, WVTR (3103.33 g/m2/day in SA/Gel compared to 2646.67 in nanocomposites containing CS), and swelling ratio (6.97 to 12.11% in SA/Gel composite compared to 5.03 to 10.90% in SA/Gel/CS). Histopathological studies showed the presence of chondrocyte cells in the lacunae on the 30th day and the complete restoration of the cartilage tissue on the 60th day following the injury in the group of SA/Gel/CS hydrogel containing WJ-MSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully fabricated a scaffold composed of alginate, gelatin, and chondroitin sulfate. This scaffold was further enhanced by the incorporation of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells. Our findings demonstrate that this composite scaffold has remarkable biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics. The present study successfully demonstrated the therapeutic potential of the SA-Gel-CS hydrogel containing WJ-MSCs for cartilage regeneration in rabbits.

Electrical Stimulating Redox Membrane Incorporated with PVA/Gelatin Nanofiber for Diabetic Wound Healing

Chronic wounds adversely affect the quality of life. Although electrical stimulation has been utilized to treat chronic wounds, there are still limitations to practicing it due to the complicated power system. Herein, an electrostimulating membrane incorporated with electrospun nanofiber (M-sheet) to treat diabetic wounds is developed. Through the screen printing method, the various alternate patterns of both Zn and AgCl on a polyurethane substrate, generating redox-mediated electrical fields are introduced. The antibacterial ability of the patterned membrane against both E. coli and S. aureus is confirmed. Furthermore, the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/gelatin electrospun fiber is incorporated into the patterned membrane to enhance biocompatibility and maintain the wet condition in the wound environment. The M-sheet can improve cell proliferation and migration in vitro and has an immune regulatory effect by inducing the polarization of macrophage to the M2 phenotype. Finally, when applied to a diabetic skin wound model, the M-sheet displays an accelerated wound healing rate and enhances re-epithelialization, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. It suggests that the M-sheet is a simple and portable system for the spontaneous generation of electrical stimulation and has great potential to be used in the practical wound and other tissue engineering applications.

Engineering bi-layered skin-like nanopads with electrospun nanofibers and chitosan films for promoting fibroblast infiltration in tissue regeneration and wound healing

This study presents an innovative bi-layered three-dimensional skin-like nanopad (SLN) engineered for skin tissue regeneration. The SLN integrates a mechanically supportive polycaprolactone nanofibrous layer with a functional chitosan hydrogel film, mimicking natural skin. Our SLN exhibits superior flexibility, with a maximum elongation of 751.71 ± 125 % and exceptional porosity of 95 ± 4.5 %, ensuring effective exudate management due to its high water uptake capacity (4393 ± 72 %). FTIR analysis confirmed a distinctive fiber-hydrogel network within the SLN, which serves as a barrier against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infiltration. In vitro cell viability assays with the human fibroblast have consistently demonstrated that 3D bi-layered SLN enhances fibroblast attachment, infiltration, and proliferation by 150 ± 20 %. In vivo studies in a rat model demonstrated significantly faster wound closure, with 60 % on day 7 and 87 % on day 10, compared to the 30 % and 60 % in controls, highlighting the efficacy of SLN. By mimicking the architecture of native skin, this biomimetic bi-layered SLN scaffold provides flexibility and support while accelerating in vivo wound closure by promoting fibroblast proliferation and infiltration. Customizable in size, depth, and shape, the engineered SLN has emerged as a promising platform for advanced wound care and tissue engineering.

Application of Organic Gel on Skin Realized by Hydrogel/Organic Gel Adhesion

Diversity in solvent selection bestows the organic gel with appealing characteristics embracing antidrying, anti-icing, and antifouling abilities. However, organic gel, subjected to the "toxic" inherent property of solvent, is not able to be manipulated on skin. Herein, introducing the hydrogel layer amid organic gel and skin is envisaged to realize application of organic gel on skin. Hydrogel, inserted as the medium layer, works for the coupling role between skin and organic gel, also avoids the direct contact of organic gel toward skin. First, hydrogel system composed of acrylic acid is fabricated, meanwhile organic gel is prepared employing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol (EG) as solvent. Organic gel is able to adhere to hydrogel by hydrogen bonding resulting from carboxyl groups of polyacrylic acid chains and hydroxyl groups occurring on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or EG. Additionally, hydrogen bonding enables the hydrogel to be firmly attached to skin, thus organic gel/hydrogel/skin assembly is produced. The further application of organic gel is exploited by incorporating stimuli-responsive dyes including spiropyran and rhodamine derivative.

Microneedle transdermal drug delivery as a candidate for the treatment of gouty arthritis: Material structure, design strategies and prospects

Gouty arthritis (GA) is caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals deposition. GA is difficult to cure because of its complex disease mechanism and the tendency to reoccur. GA patients require long-term uric acid-lowering and anti-inflammatory treatments. In the past ten years, as a painless, convenient and well-tolerated new drug transdermal delivery method, microneedles (MNs) administration has been continuously developed, which can realize various drug release modes to deal with various complex diseases. Compared with the traditional administration methods (oral and injection), MNs are more conducive to the long-term independent treatment of GA patients because of their safe, efficient and controllable drug delivery ability. In this review, the pathological mechanism of GA and common therapeutic drugs for GA are summarized. After that, MNs drug delivery mechanisms were summarized: dissolution release mechanism, swelling release mechanism and channel-assisted release mechanism. According to drug delivery patterns of MNs, the mechanisms and applications of rapid-release MNs, long-acting MNs, intelligent-release MNs and multiple-release MNs were reviewed. Additionally, existing problems and future trends of MNs in the treatment of GA were also discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Gout is an arthritis caused by metabolic disease "hyperuricemia". Epidemiological studies show that the number of gouty patients is increasing rapidly worldwide. Due to the complex disease mechanism and recurrent nature of gout, gouty patients require long-term therapy. However, traditional drug delivery modes (oral and injectable) have poor adherence, low drug utilization, and lack of local localized targeting. They may lead to adverse effects such as rashes and gastrointestinal reactions. As a painless, convenient and well-tolerated new drug transdermal delivery method, microneedles have been continuously developed, which can realize various drug release modes to deal with gouty arthritis. In this review, the material structure, design strategy and future outlook of microneedles for treating gouty arthritis will be reviewed.

Redox-Responsive Hydrogels Loaded with an Antibacterial Peptide as Controlled Drug Delivery for Healing Infectious Wounds

Infectious wounds occur when harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses invade a wound site. Its problems associated include delayed healing, increased pain, swelling, and the potential for systemic infections. Therefore, developing new wound dressing materials with antibacterial effects is crucial for improving the healing process. Here a redox-degradable hydrogel loaded with an antibacterial peptide (vancomycin) in a straightforward gram-scale synthesis, is developed. The hydrogel structure consists of a disulfide bond-containing hyperbranched polyglycerol (SS-hPG) that is cross-linked by 4-arm polyethylene glycol-thiol (4-arm PEG-SH). The polymerization mechanism and full characterization of SS-hPG are described as this synthesis is reported for the first time. Rheology is used to ascertain the hydrogel's mechanical characteristics, such as stiffness, and self-healing, determining these properties for different ratios and concentrations of both gel components. The incorporation of disulfide bonds in the hydrogel is proved by conducting degradation experiments in reductive environments. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-albumin (FITC-BSA) and vancomycin both are loaded into the gel, and the guest release kinetics is assessed for both slow and on-demand releases. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo experiments prove that the vancomycin-loaded hydrogel acts as an antibacterial barrier for wound dressing and accelerates the healing of infectious wounds in a mouse model.

Oxidized ionic polysaccharide hydrogels: Review on derived scaffolds characteristics and tissue engineering applications

Polysaccharide-based hydrogels have gained prominence due to their non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and structural adaptability for constructing tissue engineering scaffolds. Polysaccharide crosslinking is necessary for hydrogel stability in vivo. The periodate oxidation enables the modification of native polysaccharide characteristics for wound healing and tissue engineering applications. It produces dialdehydes, which are used to crosslink biocompatible amine-containing macromolecules such as chitosan, gelatin, adipic acid dihydrazide, silk fibroin, and peptides via imine/hydrazone linkages. Crosslinked oxidized ionic polysaccharide hydrogels have been studied for wound healing, cardiac and liver tissue engineering, bone, cartilage, corneal tissue regeneration, abdominal wall repair, nucleus pulposus regeneration, and osteoarthritis. Several modified hydrogel systems have been synthesized using antibiotics and inorganic substances to improve porosity, mechanical and viscoelastic properties, desired swelling propensity, and antibacterial efficacy. Thus, the injectable hydrogels provide a host-tissue-mimetic environment with high cell adhesion and viability, making them appropriate for scarless wound healing and tissue engineering applications. This review describes the oxidation procedure for alginate, hyaluronic acid, gellan gum, pectin, xanthan gum and chitosan, as well as the characteristics of the resulting materials. Furthermore, a critical review of scientific advances in wound healing and tissue engineering applications has been provided.

Antibacterial Biocomposite Based on Chitosan/Pluronic/Agarose Noncovalent Hydrogel: Controlled Drug Delivery by Alginate/Tetracycline Beads System

Designing a wound dressing with controlled uptake, antibacterial, and proper biocompatibility is crucial for the appropriate wound healing process. In this study, alginate/tetracycline (Alg/TC) beads were produced and embedded into chitosan/pluronic/agarose semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel, which serves as a potential biocompatible dressing for treating skin wounds. The effect of pluronic content on the porosity, swelling, mechanical characteristics, and degradation of the hydrogel was investigated. Furthermore, the impact of Alg beads on TC release was subsequently examined. In the absence of Alg beads, faster release was observed. However, after incorporating beads into the hydrogels, the release was sustained. Particularly, the hydrogel containing Alg beads exhibited a nearly linear release, reaching 74% after 2 days in acidic media. The antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility of the hydrogel were also evaluated to assess the capability of the TC-loaded hydrogels for wound dressing applications. The hydrogel demonstrated efficient antibacterial features against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the sample behavior was evaluated against exposure to yeast. Furthermore, based on biocompatibility studies using HFF2 cells, the TC-loaded hydrogel exhibited remarkable biocompatibility. Overall, this novel composite hydrogel shows remarkable biocompatibility and antibacterial activities which can be used as a great potential wound dressing to prevent wound infections due to its effective inhibition of bacterial growth.

Silkworm cocoon bionic design in wound dressings: A novel hydrogel with self-healing and antimicrobial properties

Hydrogels with rapid wound-healing capabilities and antimicrobial effects are gaining significant interest in related fields. Nonetheless, developing a multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing with injectable self-assembling, self-healing, antimicrobial properties, and efficient skin wound-healing capabilities remained a formidable challenge. In this experiment, we drew inspiration from silkworm cocoons' natural formation and protective mechanisms, employing a novel physical cross-linking method to create an injectable and self-healing quaternary hydrogel successfully. The hydrogel is based on a matrix of silk fibroin/silk sericin (SF/SS), with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate sodium salt (DMPG) serving as a physical cross-linking agent to form the hydrogel network structure, and the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) further enhances its antimicrobial capabilities. Our biomimetic hydrogel, which replicated the chemical properties of silkworm cocoons, demonstrated excellent hydrophilicity with a water contact angle that ranged from 37 to 52°. Its tensile and compressive resistance was approximately four times greater than that of a pure SF hydrogel, and its swelling performance was about three times higher than that of a pure SF hydrogel. Furthermore, the hydrogel exhibited an impressive bacterial inhibition rate of over 98 % in bacterial growth and inhibition experiments, which provided a solid foundation for accelerating wound healing. Likewise, experiments with mice and histological analyses revealed that on day 7, the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the wound tissues treated with the SF/SS/AgNPs hydrogel was significantly reduced by >25 % compared to the blank control group. This reduction indicates that the hydrogel could decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines, potentially aiding in the acceleration of wound healing and mitigation of inflammation-related adverse reactions. By day 14, the wounds were healed mainly, with the wound area reduced by 17 % compared to that of the blank group. This demonstrates the significant potential of this cocoon-mimetic hydrogel in accelerating wound healing and providing wound protection.

Polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan-polyethylene glycol-glycerol incorporated with Peganum harmala loaded in lipid nanocapsules as an elastic nanocomposite surgical sealant to control bleeding

Uncontrolled hemorrhage remains a critical threat in trauma and surgery. This study developed a novel hemostatic composite by encapsulating Peganum harmala L. seed extract (PH) with known hemostatic properties into lipid nanocapsules (PH-LNCs) and then embedding them within a polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan-polyethylene glycol-glycerol (PVA-CS-PEG-G) matrix. The composite was physically crosslinked via the dual processes of freezing-thawing and thermal crosslinking and exhibited robust mechanical properties reaching 0.434 ± 0.014 MPa and elasticity of 40.685 % ± 4.04. It also demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, surface morphology, physical stability, and ex-vivo skin deposition/permeation were assessed. The characterization of PH-LNCs revealed optimal PH-LNC formation and successful integration into the composite with particle size, zeta potential, and PDI were approximately 45.45 ± 24 nm, -16.3 ± 1.4 mV, and 0.374 ± 0.1, respectively. In vitro studies highlighted enhanced blood clotting and platelet adhesion, while in vivo experiments confirmed superior hemostatic efficacy in a mouse tail amputation model. The composite's soft texture, conformability, and mechanical strength make it a promising candidate for effective traumatic wound management.

The Influence of N-Acetylcysteine-Enriched Hydrogels on Wound Healing in a Murine Model of Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) severely impairs skin wound healing capacity, yet few treatment options exist to enhance this process. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that improves cellular proliferation and enhances wound healing in healthy animals, yet its use in the context of type II DM has not been studied. The aim of our research was to investigate the effect of topically applied NAC-enriched hydrogels on wound healing in a leptin-deficient murine wound model. Four excisional wounds were created on the backs of 20 db/db mice and were subsequently treated with hydrogels containing NAC at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% or placebo (control). Healing was monitored for 28 days; photographs of the wounds were taken on every third day. Wound tissues were harvested on days 3, 7, 14 and 28 to undergo histological examinations. Wounds treated with 5% NAC showed improved wound closure speed accompanied by an increased dermal proliferation area on microscopic assessment compared with other groups. Higher concentrations of NAC failed to show a beneficial effect on wound healing. 5% NAC improved early stages of wound healing in a murine model of type II DM by increasing wound closure speed, likely mediated by improved dermal proliferation.

Design of multiple-function matrix encapsulated with Marjoram extract to support cellular functions, stimulate collagen synthesis and decrease infection in wound

This study aimed to assess the role of the combination of design techniques of the engineered substrates, and the effect of encapsulating Marjoram (Origanum Majorana L.) into the matrix network was studied. To this end, PVA-PEG matrices were designed through 3 techniques of freeze-thaw (FT), the combination of both methods of freeze-drying and freeze-thawing(FT-FD), and ternary technique(freeze-drying,freeze-thawing,cross-linking(FT-FD/CL)), by combining equal volume ratios of both polymers. The results indicated the ternary technique can provide better physicochemical properties(porosity: 96%, lower degradation rate, higher modulus) compared to FT and FT-FD methods. Afterward, encapsulation of Marjoram-extracted bio-actives in the matrix network designed with the ternary technique demonstrated that the increase in the extract concentration up to 3% can increase encapsulation efficiency. The encapsulation also caused a more cohesive network by better bonding between functional groups in herbal biomolecules and polymer chains of the matrix. Mass transport mechanisms and release kinetics of matrix-encapsulated bio-actives indicated a deviation from Fickian diffusion and the release by diffusion and swelling process. Biologically, matrix-loaded herbal carbohydrate(Epi-alpha-Cadinol) improved fibroblast adhesion and distribution on the substrate surface, and led to the better synthesis of collagen fibers, especially in 3% herbal extract, and antibacterial activities owing to the controlled release of sesquiterpenoids and N-Acetyl-L-proline.

Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles via Ganoderma Lucidum Extract: Structural and Functional Analysis in Polymer Composites

Metallic nanoparticles are of growing interest due to their broad applications. This study presents the green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using Ganoderma Lucidum mushroom extract, characterized by DLS, SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy analyses. The synthesis parameters, including extract/salt ratio and mixing time, significantly influenced nanoparticle yield, size, and polydispersity, with longer mixing times leading to larger, more varied particles. Specifically, the sizes of ZnNPs synthesized at a 1:1 extract/ZnCl2 ratio after 3 h and 24 h were 90.0 nm and 243.3 nm, with PDI values of 48.69% and 51.91%, respectively. At a 1:2 ratio, the sizes were 242.3 nm at 3 h (PDI: 43.19%) and a mixture of 1.5 nm, 117.4 nm, and 647.9 nm at 24 h (PDI: 2.72%, 10.97%, and 12.43%). Polymer films incorporating PVA, chitosan, and ZnNPs were analyzed for their morphological, spectroscopic, and mechanical properties. Chitosan reduced tensile strength and elongation due to its brittleness, while ZnNPs further increased film brittleness and structural degradation. A comparison of the tensile strength of films A and C revealed that the addition of chitosan to the PVA film resulted in an approximately 10.71% decrease in tensile strength. Similarly, the analysis of films B1 and B2 showed that the tensile strength of the B2 film decreased by 10.53%. Swelling tests showed that ZnNPs initially enhanced swelling, but excessive amounts led to reduced capacity due to aggregation. This pioneering study demonstrates the potential of Ganoderma Lucidum extract in nanoparticle synthesis and provides foundational insights for future research, especially in wound dressing applications.

Electrostimulable polymeric films with hyaluronic acid and lipid nanoparticles for simultaneous topical delivery of macromolecules and lipophilic drugs

This study focused on developing electrically stimulable hyaluronic acid (HA) films incorporating lipid nanoparticles (NPs) designed for the topical administration of lipophilic drugs and macromolecules. Based on beeswax and medium-chain triglycerides, NPs were successfully integrated into silk fibroin/chitosan films containing HA (NP-HA films) at a density of approximately 1011 NP/cm2, ensuring a uniform distribution. This integration resulted in a 40% increase in film roughness, a twofold decrease in Young's modulus, and enhanced film flexibility and bioadhesion work. The NP-HA films, featuring Ag/AgCl electrodes, demonstrated the capability to conduct a constant electrical current of 0.2 mA/cm2 without inducing toxicity in keratinocytes and fibroblasts during a 15-min application. Moreover, the NPs facilitated the homogeneous distribution of lipophilic drugs within the film, effectively transporting them to the skin and uniformly distributing them in the stratum corneum upon film administration. The sustained release of HA from the films, following Higuchi kinetics, did not alter the macroscopic characteristics of the film. Although anodic iontophoresis did not noticeably affect the release of HA, it did enhance its penetration into the skin. This enhancement facilitated the permeation of HA with a molecular weight (MW) of up to 2 × 105 through intercellular and transcellular routes. Confocal Raman spectroscopy provided evidence of an approximate 100% increase in the presence of HA with a MW in the range of 1.5-1.8 × 106 in the viable epidermis of human skin after only 15 min of iontophoresis applied to the films. Combining iontophoresis with NP-HA films exhibits substantial potential for noninvasive treatments focused on skin rejuvenation and wound healing.

Silver nanoparticles loaded triple-layered cellulose-acetate based multifunctional dressing for wound healing

Chronic wounds present considerable challenges which delay their effective healing. Currently, there are several biomaterial-based wound dressings available for healing diverse wound types. However, most of commercial wound dressings are too expensive to be affordable to the patients belonging to the middle and lower socioeconomic strata of the society. Thus, in this investigation affordable triple layered nanofibrous bandages were fabricated using the layer-by-layer approach. Here, the topmost layer comprised of a hydrophilic poly vinyl alcohol layer, cross-linked with citric acid. The middle layer comprising of cellulose acetate was loaded with silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent, while the lowermost layer was fabricated using hydrophobic polycaprolactone. The triple-layered nanofibrous bandages having a nano-topography, exhibited a smooth, uniform and bead-free morphology, with the nanofiber diameter ranging between 200 and 300 nm. The nanofibers demonstrated excellent wettability, slow in vitro degradation, controlled release of nano‑silver and potent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (E.coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria. The fabricated bandages had excellent mechanical strength upto 12.72 ± 0.790 M. Pa, which was suitable for biomedical and tissue engineering applications. The bandage demonstrated excellent in vitro hemocompatibility and biocompatibility. In vivo excisional wound contraction, along with H and E and Masson's Trichrome staining further confirmed the potential of the nanofibrous bandage for full-thickness wound healing. Pre-clinical investigations thus indicated the possibility of further evaluating the triple-layered nanofibrous dressing in clinical settings.

Multifunctional Conductive Hydrogel Interface for Bioelectronic Recording and Stimulation

The past few decades have witnessed the rapid advancement and broad applications of flexible bioelectronics, in wearable and implantable electronics, brain-computer interfaces, neural science and technology, clinical diagnosis, treatment, etc. It is noteworthy that soft and elastic conductive hydrogels, owing to their multiple similarities with biological tissues in terms of mechanics, electronics, water-rich, and biological functions, have successfully bridged the gap between rigid electronics and soft biology. Multifunctional hydrogel bioelectronics, emerging as a new generation of promising material candidates, have authentically established highly compatible and reliable, high-quality bioelectronic interfaces, particularly in bioelectronic recording and stimulation. This review summarizes the material basis and design principles involved in constructing hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces, and systematically discusses the fundamental mechanism and unique advantages in bioelectrical interfacing with the biological surface. Furthermore, an overview of the state-of-the-art manufacturing strategies for hydrogel bioelectronic interfaces with enhanced biocompatibility and integration with the biological system is presented. This review finally exemplifies the unprecedented advancement and impetus toward bioelectronic recording and stimulation, especially in implantable and integrated hydrogel bioelectronic systems, and concludes with a perspective expectation for hydrogel bioelectronics in clinical and biomedical applications.

A functional hydrogel of dopamine-modified gelatin with photothermal properties for enhancing infected wound healing

Infected skin wound has gradually become a prevalent injury that affects overall health. Currently, biomaterials with good adhesion, efficient antibacterial properties, and angiogenesis are considered as a suitable way to effectively heal infected wound. Herein, a multifunctional hydrogel comprising gelatin, dopamine (DA), and ferric ions (Fe3+) was developed for infected wound healing. The modified gelatin-dopamine (Gel-DA) enhanced adhesive capability. Subsequently introducing ferric ions (Fe3+) to form Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels by Fe3+ and catechol coordination bonds. The designed hydrogels demonstrated multifaceted functionality, encompassing photothermal antibacterial, angiogenesis, and so on. The introduction of DA enhanced the adhesion of Gel-DA-Fe3+ to the skin surface and might serve as a physical barrier to seal wound. Meanwhile, DA and Fe3+ jointly endowed good photothermal effects to composite hydrogels, which could eliminate over 95 % of bacteria. In vitro results revealed that Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels had good biocompatibility and promoted HUVECs migration and tube formation. Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed that Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels markedly expedited the wound healing of rats through eradicating bacteria, accelerating the deposition of collagen, and promoting angiogenesis. What's more, Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels under near-infrared laser had a more pronounced ability for wound healing. Therefore, Gel-DA-Fe3+ hydrogels had great potential for application in bacteria-infected wound healing.

High ion barrier hydrogel with excellent toughness achieved by directional structures

Owing to their nontoxicity, environmental friendliness, and high biocompatibility, physically cross-linked hydrogels have become popular research materials; however, their high water content and high free volume, along with the weak bonding interactions inherent to ordinary physically cross-linked hydrogels, limit their application in fields such as flexible devices, packaging materials, and substance transport regulation. Here, a structural barrier approach based on directional freezing-assisted salting out was proposed, and the directional structure significantly enhanced the barrier performance of the hydrogel. When the direction of substance diffusion was perpendicular to the pore channel structure of the directional freezing-PVA hydrogel (DFPVA), the Cl- transmission rate was 57.2% for the uniform freezing-PVA hydrogel (UFPVA). By adjusting the concentration of the salting-out solution and the salting-out time, the crystallinity and crystal domain size of the hydrogel could be further changed, optimizing and regulating the barrier performance of the hydrogel, with the best Cl- unit permeability being 36.02 mg mm per cm2 per day. Additionally, DFPVA had excellent mechanical properties (stress of 6.47 ± 1.04 MPa, strain of 625.85 ± 61.58%, toughness of 25.77 ± 3.72 MPa). Due to the barrier and mechanical properties of the direct structure, DFPVA is suitable as a drug carrier for slow drug release in vitro.

Polydopamine-assisted smart bacteria-responsive hydrogel: Switchable antimicrobial and antifouling capabilities for accelerated wound healing

INTRODUCTION

Wound infections and formation of biofilms caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria have constituted a series of wound deteriorated and life-threatening problems. The in situ resisting bacterial adhesion, killing multidrug-resistance bacteria, and releasing dead bacteria is strongly required to supply a gap of existing sterilization strategies.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to present a facile approach to construct a bacteria-responsive hydrogel with switchable antimicrobial-antifouling properties through a "resisting-killing-releasing" method.

METHODS

The smart bacteria-responsive hydrogel was constructed by two-step immersion strategy: a simple immersion-coating process to construct Polydopamine (pDA) coatings on the surface of a gelatin-chitosan composite hydrogel and followed by grafting of bactericidal quaternary ammonium chitosan (QCS) as well as pH-responsive PMAA to this pDA coating. The in vitro antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility and the in vivo wound healing effects in a mouse MRSA-infected full-thickness defect model of the hydrogel were further evaluated.

RESULTS

Assisted by polydopamine coating, the pH-responsive PMAA and bactericidal QCS are successfully grafted onto a gelatin-chitosan composite hydrogel surface and hydrogels maintain the adequate mechanical properties. At physiological conditions, the PMAA hydration layer endows the hydrogel with resistance to initial bacterial attachment. Once bacteria colonize and acidize local environment, the swelling PMAA chains tend to collapse then expose the bactericidal QCS, realizing the on-demand kill bacteria. Moreover, the dead bacteria can be released and the hydrogel will resume the resistance due to hydrophilicity of PMAA at increased pH, endowing the surface renewable ability. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the favorable biocompatibility and wound healing capacity of hydrogels that can inhibit infection and further facilitate granulation tissue, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis.

CONCLUSION

This strategy provides a novel methodology for the development and design of smart wound dressing to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria infections.

One-Step Physical and Chemical Dual-Reinforcement with Hydrophobic Drug Delivery in Gelatin Hydrogels for Antibacterial Wound Healing

Gelatin-based bioadhesives, especially methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), have emerged as superior alternatives to sutureless wound closure. Nowadays, their mechanical improvement and therapeutic delivery, particularly for hydrophobic antibiotics, have received ever-increasing interest. Herein, a reinforced gelatin-based hydrogel with a hydrophobic drug delivery property for skin wound treatment was reported. First, photosensitive monomers of N'-(2-nitrobenzyl)-N-acryloyl glycinamide (NBNAGA) were grafted onto GelMA via Michael addition, namely, GelMA-NBNAGA. Second, gelation of the GelMA-NBNAGA solution was accomplished in a few seconds under one step of ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. Multiple effects were realized simultaneously, including chemical cross-linking initiated by lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP), physical cross-linking of uncaged dual hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic drug release along with o-NB group disintegration. The mechanical properties of the dual-reinforcement hydrogels were verified to be superior to those only with a chemical or physical single-cross-linked network. The hydrophobic anticancer doxorubicin (DOX) and antibiotic rifampicin (Rif) were successfully charged into the hydrogels, separately. The in vitro antimicrobial tests confirmed the antibacterial activity of the hydrogels against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The in vivo wound-healing assessment in mice further assured their drug release and efficacy. Therefore, this NBNAGA-modified GelMA hydrogel has potential as a material in skin wound dressing with a hydrophobic antibiotic on-demand delivery.

Integrating Cellulose Microfibrils and Ellagitannins from Rambutan Peel with Gelatin for Production of Synergistic Biobased Hydrogels

The pursuit of renewable and eco-friendly raw materials for biobased materials is a growing field. This study utilized ellagitannin and cellulose microfibrils derived from rambutan peel waste alongside gelatin to develop eco-conscious hydrogels. The cellulose/gelatin hydrogels were formulated in two weight ratios (0.5:1 to 1:1), and the influence of gelatin on the chemical composition and rheology was studied. Composite hydrogels, functionalized with an ellagitannin-rich extract, exhibited a remarkable enhancement of up to 14-fold in compressive strength. The hydrogels also demonstrated antimicrobial properties, reducing the Staphylococcus aureus colony count within 24 h. The hydrogel, derived from rambutan peel waste, is biocompatible and could potentially be explored for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, and wound dressings. This suggests that it might offer significant value for sustainable materials science, although specific applications have yet to be tested.

Development of alginate/chitosan hydrogel loaded with obestatin and evaluation of collagen type I, III, VEGF and TGF-β1 gene expression for skin repair in a rat model (in vitro and in vitro study)

BACKGROUND

Skin injuries have long been recognized as a prevalent type of physical injury. As a result, numerous research studies have been performed to discover an effective mechanism for wound healing. Therefore, tissue engineering of skin has developed as a potential solution for traditional methods of treating skin injuries.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Alginate/Chitosan hydrogel was mixed with 1, 10, 100, and 150 µM Obestatin, and evaluated the morphology, cumulative release, hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, water absorption, cell viability, weight loss, and antibacterial characteristics of three-dimensional (3D) alginate (Alg) and chitosan (Cs) hydrogels during the process of wound curing. Various concentrations of Obestatin (Obes) were utilized for this purpose. Finally, the hydrogels that were made were tested on a full-thickness dermal wound in a Wistar rat model. The curative effects were determined by analyzing RNA expression and examining tissue stained with Masson's trichrome (MT) and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E).

RESULTS

The biodegradability of this hydrogel was verified using weight loss testing, which demonstrated a reduction of around 90% after a period of 3 days. Furthermore, the MTT assay demonstrated that hydrogels have a beneficial effect on cell proliferation without inducing any harmful effects. Furthermore, the hydrogels produced demonstrated higher wound closure in vivo compared to the wounds treated with gauze (negative control group). Among the hydrogel groups, the chitosan/alginate/obestatin 100 µM group exhibited the apical percentage of wound closure, gene expression, and secondary epithelialization, but in 150 µM concentrations, we saw a lower rate of cell growth and proliferation and increase in hemolysis. In addition, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that a concentration of 100 µM obestatin resulted in an upregulation in the expression of mRNA for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen type I & type III, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that 3D Alg/Cs hydrogels with a concentration of 100 µM obestatin have the potential for clinical application in the treatment of skin injuries.

Tannic Acid Incorporated Antibacterial Polyethylene Glycol Based Hydrogel Sponges for Management of Wound Infections

Conventional wound dressings fail to provide features that can assist the healing process of chronic wounds. Multifunctional wound dressings address this issue by incorporating attributes including antibacterial and antioxidant activity, and the ability to enhance wound healing. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based antibacterial hydrogel sponge dressings are prepared by a rapid and facile gas foaming method based on an acid chloride/alcohol reaction where tannic acid (TA) is included as a reactant to impart antibacterial efficacy as well as to enhance the mechanical properties of the samples. The results reveal that the TA-integrated sponges possess excellent antibacterial properties against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with approximately 6-8 log reduction in the microbial colony count after 6 h, indicating their high potential for management of infection-prone wounds. Compared to the control sample, TA incorporation increases the elastic modulus by twofold. As the samples also exhibit biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and wound healing capacity, the novel TA-incorporated hydrogels can be an alternative to traditional wound dressings for wounds with low-to-moderate exudate.

Development and characterization of curcumin nanosuspension-embedded genipin-crosslinked chitosan/polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel patch for effective wound healing

This study investigated the development of a genipin-crosslinked chitosan (CS)-based polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel containing curcumin nanosuspensions (Cur-NSs) to promote wound healing in an excisional wound model. Cur-NSs were prepared, and a simplex centroid mixture design was employed to optimize hydrogel properties for high water absorption, degree of crosslinking, and sufficient toughness. The in vivo wound healing effect was tested in Wistar rats. The optimized hydrogel consisted of a 70:30 ratio of CS:PVP, crosslinked with a 2 % w/w genipin solution. It exhibited high swelling capability (486 %) while maintaining solidity, robustness, and durability. Incorporating 5 % w/w Cur-NSs resulted in a more compact structure, although with a reduction in swelling properties. The release kinetics of Cur from the hydrogel followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas Fickian diffusion model. In vitro biocompatibility studies demonstrated that the hydrogel was non-toxic to skin fibroblast cells. The in vivo experiment revealed a desirable wound healing rate with over 80 % recovery by day 7. Cur-NSs likely aided wound healing by reducing the inflammatory response and stimulating fibroblast proliferation. Additionally, the CS-based hydrogel provided a moist wound environment with hydration and gas transfer, further accelerating wound closure. These findings suggest that the Cur-NS-embedded hydrogel shows promise as a wound dressing material.

Motion-Accommodating Dual-Layer Hydrogel Dressing to Deliver Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Wounds

BACKGROUND

Current dressing materials cannot secure a cell survival-promoting wound environment for stem cell delivery due to insufficient assimilation to skin motion. The authors developed a novel motion-accommodating dual-layer hydrogel dressing for stem cell delivery into such wounds.

METHODS

Dorsal hand skin movement was evaluated to determine the potential range of deformation for a dressing. The outer hydrogel (OH) was fabricated with an alginate-acrylamide double-network hydrogel with a covalently cross-linked elastomer coat. The tough adhesive consisted of a chitosan-based bridging polymer and coupling reagents. OH material properties and adhesiveness on porcine skin were measured. An oxidized alginate-based inner hydrogel (IH) containing human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) was evaluated for cell-supporting and cell-releasing properties. The OH's function as a secondary dressing, and dual-layer hydrogel cell delivery potential in wounds were assessed in a rodent model.

RESULTS

The dual-layer hydrogel consisted of OH and IH. The OH target range of deformation was up to 25% strain. The OH adhered to porcine skin, and showed significantly higher adhesion energy than common secondary dressings and endured 900 flexion-extension cycles without detachment. OH showed a similar moisture vapor transmission rate as moisture-retentive dressings. IH maintained embedded cell survival for three days with significant cell release on the contacting surface. OH showed less fibrotic wound healing than other secondary dressings in vivo. The dual-layer hydrogel successfully delivered ASCs into open wounds of nude mice (13 ± 3 cells/HPF).

CONCLUSIONS

The novel dual-layer hydrogel can accommodate patient movement and deliver ASCs into the wound bed by securing the wound microenvironment.

Design and evaluation of a bilayered dermal/hypodermal 3D model using a biomimetic hydrogel formulation

Due to the limitations of the current skin wound treatments, it is highly valuable to have a wound healing formulation that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical properties of natural skin tissue. Here, a novel biomimetic hydrogel formulation has been developed based on a mixture of Agarose-Collagen Type I (AC) combined with skin ECM-related components: Dermatan sulfate (DS), Hyaluronic acid (HA), and Elastin (EL) for its application in skin tissue engineering (TE). Different formulations were designed by combining AC hydrogels with DS, HA, and EL. Cell viability, hemocompatibility, physicochemical, mechanical, and wound healing properties were investigated. Finally, a bilayered hydrogel loaded with fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells was developed using the Ag-Col I-DS-HA-EL (ACDHE) formulation. The ACDHE hydrogel displayed the best in vitro results and acceptable physicochemical properties. Also, it behaved mechanically close to human native skin and exhibited good cytocompatibility. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) analysis revealed a porous microstructure that allows the maintenance of cell growth and ECM-like structure production. These findings demonstrate the potential of the ACDHE hydrogel formulation for applications such as an injectable hydrogel or a bioink to create cell-laden structures for skin TE.

Recent Advances in Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Based Hydrogels

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a versatile synthetic polymer, used for the design of hydrogels, porous membranes and films. Its solubility in water, film- and hydrogel-forming capabilities, non-toxicity, crystallinity and excellent mechanical properties, chemical inertness and stability towards biological fluids, superior oxygen and gas barrier properties, good printability and availability (relatively low production cost) are the main aspects that make PVA suitable for a variety of applications, from biomedical and pharmaceutical uses to sensing devices, packaging materials or wastewater treatment. However, pure PVA materials present low stability in water, limited flexibility and poor biocompatibility and biodegradability, which restrict its use alone in various applications. PVA mixed with other synthetic polymers or biomolecules (polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, amino acids etc.), as well as with inorganic/organic compounds, generates a wide variety of materials in which PVA's shortcomings are considerably improved, and new functionalities are obtained. Also, PVA's chemical transformation brings new features and opens the door for new and unexpected uses. The present review is focused on recent advances in PVA-based hydrogels.

Non-isocyanate polyurethane-co-polyglycolic acid electrospun nanofiber membrane wound dressing with high biocompatibility, hemostasis, and prevention of chronic wound formation

The prevention of chronic wound formation has already been a primary subject in wound management, particularly for deep wounds. The electrospun nanofiber membranes hold tremendous potential in the prevention of chronic wounds due to their micro/nano pore structures. Currently, many natural and synthetic materials have been utilized in the fabrication of nanofiber membranes. However, striking a balance between the structural stability and the biocompatibility remains challenging. It is necessary not only to ensure the long-term durability of nanofiber membranes but also to enhance their biocompatibility for alleviating patients' suffering. In this study, we reported a nanofiber membrane dressing with excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties, which is potential for the treatment of deep wounds. The basal material chosen for the preparation of the nanofiber membrane was a co-polyester (NI-LPGD5) synthesized by non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) and polyglycolic acid with a dihydroxy structure (LPGD-synthesized from glycolic acid and neopentyl glycol). Moreover, curcumin was also added as a bioactive substance to enhance the pro-healing effect of dressings. The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanofiber membranes were characterized through various physicochemical tools. Our results demonstrated that the NI-LPGD5 co-polymer can be electrospun into smooth fibers. Meanwhile, curcumin-loaded nanofiber membranes (Cur/NI-LPGD5) also exhibited a favorable microscopic morphology. The fabricated membranes exhibited suitable mechanical properties, outstanding hygroscopic-swelling rate and water vapor transmittance. Besides, in vitro cell culturing, the cells on the NI-LPGD5 membrane maintained their maximum viability. The potential of in vivo wound healing was further demonstrated through animal experiments. The experimental results showed that the nanofiber membranes effectively prevented chronic wounds from forming and promoted granulation tissue growth without replacing the dressing throughout the healing process. We also found that these nanofiber membranes could effectively promote the expression of related biomarkers to accelerate wound healing, particularly the Cur/NI-LPGD5 membrane. In conclusion, the fabricated membranes possess suitable physicochemical properties and promising bioactivity. As a result, it effectively prevented the formation of chronic wounds and demonstrated significant potential in reducing the frequency of dressing changes.

Dual phage-incorporated electrospun polyvinyl alcohol-eudragit nanofiber matrix for rapid healing of diabetic wound infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Diabetic wound healing remains a healthcare challenge due to co-occurring multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections and the constraints associated with sustained drug delivery. Here, we integrate two new species of phages designated as PseuPha1 and RuSa1 respectively lysing multiple clinical MDR strains of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus into a novel polyvinyl alcohol-eudragit (PVA-EU†) nanofiber matrix through electrospinning for rapid diabetic wound healing. PVA-EU† evaluated for characteristic changes that occurred due to electrospinning and subjected to elution, stability and antibacterial assays. The biocompatibility and wound healing ability of PVA-EU† were assessed through mouse fibroblast cell line NIH3T3, followed by validation through diabetic mice excision wound co-infected with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The electrospinning resulted in the incorporation of ~ 75% active phages at PVA-EU†, which were stable at 25 °C for 30 days and at 4 °C for 90 days. PVA-EU† showed sustained release of phages for 18 h and confirmed to be detrimental to both mono- and mixed-cultures of target pathogens. The antibacterial activity of PVA-EU† remained unaltered in the presence of high amounts of glucose, whereas alkaline pH promoted the activity. The matrix exerted no cytotoxicity on NIH3T3, but showed significant (p < 0.0001) wound healing in vitro and the process was rapid as validated through a diabetic mice model. The sustained release, quick wound closure, declined abundance of target MDR bacteria in situ and histopathological signs of recovery corroborated the therapeutic efficacy of PVA-EU†. Taken together, our data signify the potential application of PVA-EU† in the rapid treatment of diabetic wounds without the aid of antibiotics.

Polymer-Based Wound Dressings Loaded with Essential Oil for the Treatment of Wounds: A Review

Wound healing can result in complex problems, and discovering an effective method to improve the healing process is essential. Polymeric biomaterials have structures similar to those identified in the extracellular matrix of the tissue to be regenerated and also avoid chronic inflammation, and immunological reactions. To obtain smart and effective dressings, bioactive agents, such as essential oils, are also used to promote a wide range of biological properties, which can accelerate the healing process. Therefore, we intend to explore advances in the potential for applying hybrid materials in wound healing. For this, fifty scientific articles dated from 2010 to 2023 were investigated using the Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed databases. The principles of the healing process, use of polymers, type and properties of essential oils and processing techniques, and characteristics of dressings were identified. Thus, the plants Syzygium romanticum or Eugenia caryophyllata, Origanum vulgare, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum present prospects for application in clinical trials due to their proven effects on wound healing and reducing the incidence of inflammatory cells in the site of injury. The antimicrobial effect of essential oils is mainly due to polyphenols and terpenes such as eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and thymol.

A structure-functionality insight into the bioactivity of microbial polysaccharides toward biomedical applications: A review

Microbial polysaccharides (MPs) are biopolymers secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi during their metabolic processes. Compared to polysaccharides derived from plants and animals, MPs have advantages such as wide sources, high production efficiency, and less susceptibility to natural environmental influences. The most attractive feature of MPs lies in their diverse biological activities, such as antioxidative, anti-tumor, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory activities, which have demonstrated immense potential for applications in functional foods, cosmetics, and biomedicine. These bioactivities are precisely regulated by their sophisticated molecular structure. However, the mechanisms underlying this precise regulation are not yet fully understood and continue to evolve. This article presents a comprehensive review of the most representative species of MPs, including their fermentation and purification processes and their biomedical applications in recent years. In particular, this work presents an in-depth analysis into the structure-activity relationships of MPs across multiple molecular levels. Additionally, this review discusses the challenges and prospects of investigating the structure-activity relationships, providing valuable insights into the broad and high-value utilization of MPs.

Foam dressing and micropower vacuum dressing promote diabetic foot ulcer wound healing by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in rats

Foam dressing (FD) and micropower vacuum dressing (MVD) have been applied in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). However, research about the mode of action on the efficacy of the two dressings is extremely rare. This study proposed to explore the mechanism involved in diabetic wound healing under FD or MVD treatment. Macroscopical study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of FD and MVD on wound healing in a rat model of DFU. Morphological analysis in the wound skin tissue was conducted by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Meanwhile, inflammatory cytokines in serum were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, protein kinase B and mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and their phosphorylation levels were determined by western blotting. We found that wound healing in rats with DFU was enhanced with the application of FD and MVD. The therapeutic efficacy of FD was superior to MVD. Compared with diabetic foot group, the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, were significantly down-regulated. Besides, the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR were up-regulated under FD or MVD treatment. We demonstrated that the treatment of FD and MVD effectively promoted the wound skin healing through activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our research may provide a new idea for exploring the mode of action of dressing application in healing of DFU.

Harnessing the potential of hydrogels for advanced therapeutic applications: current achievements and future directions

The applications of hydrogels have expanded significantly due to their versatile, highly tunable properties and breakthroughs in biomaterial technologies. In this review, we cover the major achievements and the potential of hydrogels in therapeutic applications, focusing primarily on two areas: emerging cell-based therapies and promising non-cell therapeutic modalities. Within the context of cell therapy, we discuss the capacity of hydrogels to overcome the existing translational challenges faced by mainstream cell therapy paradigms, provide a detailed discussion on the advantages and principal design considerations of hydrogels for boosting the efficacy of cell therapy, as well as list specific examples of their applications in different disease scenarios. We then explore the potential of hydrogels in drug delivery, physical intervention therapies, and other non-cell therapeutic areas (e.g., bioadhesives, artificial tissues, and biosensors), emphasizing their utility beyond mere delivery vehicles. Additionally, we complement our discussion on the latest progress and challenges in the clinical application of hydrogels and outline future research directions, particularly in terms of integration with advanced biomanufacturing technologies. This review aims to present a comprehensive view and critical insights into the design and selection of hydrogels for both cell therapy and non-cell therapies, tailored to meet the therapeutic requirements of diverse diseases and situations.

Antibacterial polylysine-containing hydrogels for hemostatic and wound healing applications: preparation methods, current advances and future perspectives

The treatment of various types of wounds such as dermal wounds, multidrug resistant bacteria-infected wounds, and chronic diabetic wounds is one of the critical challenges facing healthcare systems. Delayed wound healing can impose a remarkable burden on patients and health care professionals. In this case, given their unique three-dimensional porous structure, biocompatibility, high hydrophilicity, capability to provide a moist environment while absorbing wound exudate, permeability to both gas and oxygen, and tunable mechanical properties, hydrogels with antibacterial function are one of the most promising candidates for wound healing applications. Polylysine is a cationic polymer with the advantages of inherent antibacterial properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Therefore, its utilization to engineer antibacterial hydrogels for accelerating wound healing is of great interest. In this review, we initially discuss polylysine properties, and then focus on the most recent advances in polylysine-containing hydrogels (since 2016) prepared using various chemical and physical crosslinking methods for hemostasis and wound healing applications. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the engineering of these antibacterial hydrogels for wound healing are discussed.

Nanomaterials-incorporated polymeric microneedles for wound healing applications

There is a growing and urgent need for developing novel biomaterials and therapeutic approaches for efficient wound healing. Microneedles (MNs), which can penetrate necrotic tissues and biofilm barriers at the wound and deliver active ingredients to the deeper layers in a minimally invasive and painless manner, have stimulated the interests of many researchers in the wound-healing filed. Among various materials, polymeric MNs have received widespread attention due to their abundant material sources, simple and inexpensive manufacturing methods, excellent biocompatibility and adjustable mechanical strength. Meanwhile, due to the unique properties of nanomaterials, the incorporation of nanomaterials can further extend the application range of polymeric MNs to facilitate on-demand drug release and activate specific therapeutic effects in combination with other therapies. In this review, we firstly introduce the current status and challenges of wound healing, and then outline the advantages and classification of MNs. Next, we focus on the manufacturing methods of polymeric MNs and the different raw materials used for their production. Furthermore, we give a summary of polymeric MNs incorporated with several common nanomaterials for chronic wounds healing. Finally, we discuss the several challenges and future prospects of transdermal drug delivery systems using nanomaterials-based polymeric MNs in wound treatment application.

Eco-Friendly Production of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Wound Healing Dressing Containing Sericin

Wound dressing production represents an important segment in the biomedical healthcare field, but finding a simple and eco-friendly method that combines a natural compound and a biocompatible dressing production for biomedical application is still a challenge. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop wound healing dressings that are environmentally friendly, low cost, and easily produced, using natural agents and a physical crosslinking technique. Hydrogel wound healing dressings were prepared from polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose and sericin using the freeze-thawing method as a crosslinking method. The morphological characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas the mechanical analysis was carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to test the tensile strength and compression properties. Then, the healing property of the wound dressing material was tested by in vitro and ex vivo tests. The results show a three-dimensional microporous structure with no cytotoxicity, excellent stretchability with compressive properties similar to those of human skin, and excellent healing properties. The proposed hydrogel dressing was tested in vitro with HaCaT keratinocytes and ex vivo with epidermal tissues, demonstrating an effective advantage on wound healing acceleration. Accordingly, this study was successful in developing wound healing dressings using natural agents and a simple and green crosslinking method.

Study and evaluation of a gelatin- silver oxide nanoparticles releasing nitric oxide production of wound healing dressing for diabetic ulcer

This study aimed to develop a novel Gelatin silver oxide material for releasing nitric oxide bionanocomposite wound dressing with enhanced mechanical, chemical, and antibacterial properties for the treatment of diabetic wounds. The gelatin- silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2O-NP) bio nanocomposite was prepared using chitosan and gelatin polymers incorporated with silver oxide nanoparticles through the freeze-drying method. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Results showed that the Ag2O-NP nanoparticles increased porosity, decreased pore size, and improved elastic modulus. The Ag2O-NP wound dressing exhibited the most effective antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Among the samples, the wound dressing containing silver oxide nanoparticles demonstrated superior physical and mechanical properties, with 48% porosity, a tensile strength of 3.2 MPa, and an elastic modulus of 51.7 MPa. The fabricated wound dressings had a volume ratio of empty space to total volume ranging from 40% to 60%. In parallel, considering the complications of diabetes and its impact on the vascular system, another aspect of the research focused on developing a per2mediated wound dressing capable of releasing nitric oxide gas to regenerate damaged vessels and accelerate diabetic wound healing. Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was selected as the substrate for the wound dressing, and beta-glycerophosphate (GPβ), tripolyphosphate (TPP), and per2mediated alginate (AL) were used as crosslinkers. The chitosan-alginate (CS-AL) wound dressing exhibited optimal characteristics in terms of hole count and uniformity in the scanning electron microscope test. It also demonstrated superior water absorption (3854%) and minimal air permeability. Furthermore, the CS-AL sample exhibited an 80% degradation rate after 14 days, indicating its suitability as a wound dressing. The wound dressing was loaded with S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) powder, and the successful release of nitric oxide gas was confirmed through the grease test, showing a peak at a wavelength of 540 nm. Subsequent investigations revealed that the treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with high glucose led to a decrease in the expression of PER2 and SIRT1, while the expression of PER2 increased, which may subsequently enhance the expression of SIRT1 and promote cell proliferation activity. However, upon treatment of the cells with the modified materials, an increase in the expression of PER2 and SIRT1 was observed, resulting in a partial restoration of cell proliferative activity. This comprehensive study successfully developed per2-mediated bio-nanocomposite wound dressings with improved physical, mechanical, chemical, and antibacterial properties. The incorporation of silver oxide nanoparticles enhanced the antimicrobial activity, while the released nitric oxide gas from the dressing demonstrated the ability to mitigate vascular endothelial cell damage induced by high glucose levels. These advancements show promising potential for facilitating the healing process of diabetic wounds by addressing complications associated with diabetes and enhancing overall wound healing.

Heme-Mimetic Photosensitizer with Iron-Targeting and Internalizing Properties for Enhancing PDT Activity and Promoting Infected Diabetic Wound Healing

The management of multibacterial infections remains clinically challenging in the care and treatment of chronic diabetic wounds. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a promising approach to addressing bacterial infections. However, the limited target specificity and internalization properties of traditional photosensitizers (PSs) toward Gram-negative bacteria pose significant challenges to their antibacterial efficacy. In this study, we designed an iron heme-mimetic PS (MnO2@Fe-TCPP(Zn)) based on the iron dependence of bacteria that can be assimilated by bacteria and retained in different bacteria strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and which shows high PDT antibacterial efficacy. For accelerated wound healing after antibacterial treatment, MnO2@Fe-TCPP(Zn) was loaded into a zwitterionic hydrogel with biocompatibility and antifouling properties to form a nanocomposite antibacterial hydrogel (PSB-MnO2@Fe-TCPP(Zn)). In the multibacterial infectious diabetic mouse wound model, the PSB-MnO2@Fe-TCPP(Zn) hydrogel dressing rapidly promoted skin regeneration by effectively inhibiting bacterial infections, eliminating inflammation, and promoting angiogenesis. This study provides an avenue for developing broad-spectrum antibacterial nanomaterials for combating the antibiotic resistance crisis and promoting the healing of complex bacterially infected wounds.

Self-healing, antioxidant, and antibacterial Bletilla striata polysaccharide-tannic acid dual dynamic crosslinked hydrogels for tissue adhesion and rapid hemostasis

Biomaterials capable of achieving effective sealing and hemostasis at moist wounds are in high demand in the clinical management of acute hemorrhage. Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP), a natural polysaccharide renowned for its hemostatic properties, holds promising applications in biomedical fields. In this study, a dual-dynamic-bonds crosslinked hydrogel was synthesized via a facile one-pot method utilizing poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-borax as a matrix system, followed by the incorporation of BSP and tannic acid (TA). Chemical borate ester bonds formed around borax, coupled with multiple physical hydrogen bonds between BSP and other components, enhanced the mechanical properties and rapid self-healing capabilities. The catechol moieties in TA endowed the hydrogel with excellent adhesive strength of 30.2 kPa on the surface of wet tissues and facilitated easy removal without residue. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of TA and the preservation of the intrinsic properties of BSP, the hydrogel exhibited outstanding biocompatibility, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Moreover, it effectively halted acute bleeding within 31.3 s, resulting in blood loss of 15.6 % of that of the untreated group. As a superior hemostatic adhesive, the hydrogel in this study is poised to offer a novel solution for addressing future acute hemorrhage, wound healing, and other biomedical applications.

Advanced Multifunctional Hydrogels for Enhanced Wound Healing through Ultra-Fast Selenol-SNAr Chemistry

Fabrication of versatile hydrogels in a facile and effective manner represents a pivotal challenge in the field of biomaterials. Herein, a novel strategy is presented for preparing on-demand degradable hydrogels with multilevel responsiveness. By employing selenol-dichlorotetrazine nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) to synthesize hydrogels under mild conditions in a buffer solution, the necessity of additives or posttreatments can be obviated. The nucleophilic and redox reactions between selenol and tetrazine culminate in the formation of three degradable chemical bonds-diselenide, aryl selenide, and dearomatized selenide-in a single, expeditious step. The resultant hydrogel manifests exceptional adaptability to intricate environments in conjunction with self-healing and on-demand degradation properties. Furthermore, the resulting material demonstrated light-triggered antibacterial activity. Animal studies further underscore the potential of integrating metformin into Se-Tz hydrogels under green light irradiation, as it effectively stimulates angiogenesis and collagen deposition, thereby fostering efficient wound healing. In comparison to previously documented hydrogels, Se-Tz hydrogels exhibit controlled degradation and drug release, outstanding antibacterial activity, mechanical robustness, and bioactivity, all without the need for costly and intricate preparation procedures. These findings underscore Se-Tz hydrogels as a safe and effective therapeutic option for diabetic wound dressings.

The comparison of contribution of GO and rGO produced by green synthesis to the properties of CMC-based wound dressing material

Herein, GO (graphene oxide) or rGO (reduced graphene oxide) which is produced by the green synthesis method using plant extract (Laurus nobilis) was incorporated into a polymeric structure consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to produce a wound dressing material with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. The effect of GO and rGO on the wound dressing features of the produced materials was investigated and compared to each other. Conductivity tests demonstrated that rGO contributed more significantly to the electrical conductivity than GO. While rGO-CMC/PEG/CA reached 3.01 × 10-6 S.cm-1 as the conductivity value, that of GO-CMC/PEG/CA was determined as 0.85 × 10-6 S.cm-1. As for the mechanical tests, it was seen that rGO achieved the best results in terms of elastic modulus (588.62 N/mm2), tensile strength (94.95 MPa) and elongation at break (17.64 %) compared to GO reinforced and pure hydrogel. Curcumin and ascorbic acid were used for antibiotic-free wound treatment and their release kinetics were also modeled. The results showed that rGO reinforced hydrogel provided a more controlled release. All results assured that both the produced GO reinforced and especially rGO reinforced hydrogels could be utilized as modern wound dressing materials with suitable properties to achieve remarkable results for wound healing.

Preparation and characterization of PVA/chitosan nanofibers loaded with Dragon's blood or poly helixan as wound dressings

Nanofibers have been investigated in regenerative medicine. Dragon's blood (DB)- and poly helixan PF (PHPF) are natural materials used in cosmetics. Herein, we generated DB- and PHPF-loaded polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS/DB and PVA/CS/PHPF, respectively) nanofibers. PVA/CS/DB and PVA/CS/PHPF nanofibers had an average diameter of 547.5 ± 17.13 and 521 ± 24.67 nm, respectively as assessed by SEM, and a degradation rate of 43.1 and 47.6 % after 14 days, respectively. PVA/CS/DB and PVA/CS/PHPF nanofibers had a hemolysis rate of 0.10 and 0.39 %, respectively, and a water vapor transmission rate of ∼2200 g.m-2.day-1. These nanofibers exhibited favorable antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis in vitro. PVA/CS/DB and PVA/CS/PHPF nanofibers demonstrated a sustained release of 77.91 and 76.55 % over 72 h. PVA/CS/DB and PVA/CS/PHPF nanofibers had a high rate of cytocompatibility and significantly improved the viability of NIH/3T3 cells as compared with free drugs or unloaded nanofibers. Histological inspection via H&E and Verhoeff's staining demonstrated PVA/CS/DB and PVA/CS/PHPF nanofibers enhanced the wound healing and damaged tissue recovery of unsplinted wound models by promoting epithelial layer formation, collagen deposition, and enhancing the presence of fibroblasts. Conclusively, PVA/CS/DB and PVA/CS/PHPF can be introduced as potential wound dressing candidates with favorable properties.