Development of Bioinspired Gelatin and Gelatin/Chitosan Bilayer Hydrofilms for Wound Healing

Abstract

In the current study, we developed a novel gelatin-based bilayer wound dressing. We used different crosslinking agents to confer unique properties to each layer, obtaining a bioinspired multifunctional hydrofilm suitable for wound healing. First, we produced a resistant and non-degradable upper layer by lactose-mediated crosslinking of gelatin, which provided mechanical support and protection to overall design. For the lower layer, we crosslinked gelatin with citric acid, resulting in a porous matrix with a great swelling ability. In addition, we incorporated chitosan into the lower layer to harness its wound healing ability. FTIR and SEM analyses showed that lactose addition changed the secondary structure of gelatin, leading to a more compact and smoother structure than that obtained with citric acid. The hydrofilm was able to swell 384.2 ± 57.2% of its dry weight while maintaining mechanical integrity. Besides, its water vapour transmission rate was in the range of commercial dressings (1381.5 ± 108.6 g/m2·day). In vitro, cytotoxicity assays revealed excellent biocompatibility. Finally, the hydrofilm was analysed through an ex vivo wound healing assay in human skin. It achieved similar results to the control in terms of biocompatibility and wound healing, showing suitable characteristics to be used as a wound dressing.

Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun Double-layered Nanocomposites Membranes as a Carrier for Centella asiatica (L.)

“…These values appeared to be outside the range recommended for an ideal dressing. However, the WVTR values obtained herein are within the range displayed by commercial wound dressings (426-2047 g/m 2 /day) [61].…”

Recent Developments in the Reduction of Oxidative Stress through Antioxidant Polymeric Formulations

“…The obtained RosA-gelatin edible film possessed excellent ultraviolet barrier capacity and exhibited good antioxidant properties and long-term antibacterial activity, with promising applications in the fields of food and pharmaceutical packaging. Garcia-Orue et al developed an elegant gelatin-based bilayer suitable for wound healing [63]. They first prepared a lactose-based gelatin, for mechanical support and protection, and then cross-linked a lower layer of citric acid and chitosan for antioxidant and swelling properties.…”

Development of Novel Microenvironments for Promoting Enhanced Wound Healing

“…In vitro experiments for each type of scaffold revealed that cell viability at 3 days was at least 90% for those including chitosan. In vivo experimentation was carried out in mice, rats, and ex vivo human skin explants, and resulted in some scaffolds performing better than the control groups, such as the curcumin-loaded gel [106] and catechol-loaded terpolymer [107], while the gelatin-crosslinked [108] scaffold performed more poorly than the controls. These results indicate that while chitosan-mixed scaffolds may function well in an in vitro environment, further experimentation must be conducted on their use in in vivo situations.…”