Combined Strategy of Wound Healing Using Thermo-Sensitive PNIPAAm Hydrogel and CS/PVA Membranes: Development and In-Vivo Evaluation

Abstract

Past studies have shown that the hot spring effect can promote wound healing. Mild thermal stimulation and metal ions can promote angiogenesis. In this study, the hot spring effect was simulated by thermosensitive PNIPAAm hydrogel loaded with copper sulfide nanoparticles. Heat stimulation could be generated through near-infrared irradiation, and copper ions solution could be pulsed. On the other hand, the CS/PVA nanofiber membrane was attached to the bottom of the hydrogel to simulate the extracellular matrix structure, thus improving the wound healing ability. The CS/PVA nanofiber membrane was prepared by electrospinning, and the appropriate prescription and process parameters were determined. The nanofiber membrane has uniform pore size, good water absorption and permeability. The poor mechanical properties of PNIPAAm hydrogel were improved by adding inorganic clay. The temperature of the hydrogel loaded with CuS nanoparticles reached 40 °C under near-infrared light irradiation for 20 min, and the release rate of Cu2+ reached 26.89%. The wound-healing rate of the rats in the combined application group reached 79.17% at 13 days, demonstrating superior results over the other control groups. Histological analyses show improved inflammatory response at the healed wound area. These results indicate that this combined application approach represents a promising wound treatment strategy.

Hydrogel-based dressings designed to facilitate wound healing

“…The therapeutic benefits of hot springs are attributed to mild thermal stimulation and the promotion of angiogenesis mediated by the presence of metal ions. 140 Sheng et al developed a bioactive photothermal hydrogel by integrating fayalite and N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan. This hydrogel released bioactive ions and had inherent heating properties, creating a localized hot ion environment within the wound area.…”

Intelligent Electrospinning Nanofibrous Membranes for Monitoring and Promotion of Wound Healing

“…Currently, it has grown to be one of major techniques for building nanofibrous membranes based wound dressings [ 94 ]. The morphology and structure of electrospinning fibers can be intricately tailored by adjusting the properties of the electrospinning solution and process parameters [ 95 , 96 ]. Various electrospinning techniques, such as conventional electrospinning, blend electrospinning, emulsion electrospinning, parallel electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning, and triaxial electrospinning, are commonly employed to manipulate fiber composition and structure [ 22 ].…”