Enzymatically-Crosslinked Gelatin Hydrogels with Nanostructured Architecture and Self-Healing Performance for Potential Use as Wound Dressings

Abstract

Development of natural protein-based hydrogels with self-healing performance and tunable physical properties has attracted increased attention owing to their wide potential not only in the pharmaceutical field, but also in wounds management. This work reports the development of a versatile hydrogel based on enzymatically-crosslinked gelatin and nanogels loaded with amoxicillin (Amox), an antibiotic used in wound infections. The transglutaminase (TGase)-crosslinked hydrogels and encapsulating nanogels were formed rapidly through enzymatic crosslinking and self-assembly interactions in mild conditions. The nanogels formed through the self-assemble of maleoyl-chitosan (MAC5) and polyaspartic acid (PAS) may have positive influence on the self-healing capacity and drug distribution within the hydrogel network through the interactions established between gelatin and gel-like nanocarriers. The physicochemical properties of the enzymatically-crosslinked hydrogels, such as internal structure, swelling and degradation behavior, were studied. In addition, the Amox release studies indicated a rapid release when the pH of the medium decreased, which represents a favorable characteristic for use in the healing of infected wounds. It was further observed through the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assays that the optimized scaffolds have great potential to be used as wound dressings.

Enhanced Cellular Delivery of Tildipirosin by Xanthan Gum–Gelatin Composite Nanogels

“…As a result, the biocompatibility experiments indicated that the tildipirosin composite nanogels hold considerable promise as a biocompatible treatment. These findings were in line with those of the literature, 42 which demonstrated that giving lab animals gelatin hydrogel does not significantly affect liver function. Additionally, as demonstrated in Figure 7M, nanogels incubated with RAW 264.7 cells maintained about 90% viability with a range of concentrations from 0 to 20 μg/mL, suggesting that tildipirosin-loaded xanthan gum−gelatin composite nanogels have no in vitro cytotoxicity effects on RAW 264.7 cells.…”

Recent Advances in Biodegradable and Biocompatible Synthetic Polymers Used in Skin Wound Healing

“…According to the molding method, hydrogel fabrication techniques can be classified into the template method (using a template to control the shape of the hydrogel) [24], 3D printing (stacking hydrogel materials layer by layer to form complicated 3D structures by manipulating the position of the printing nozzles) [25], solvent casting (pouring a hydrogel precursor solution into a flat container to form hydrogels by evaporation of the solvent) [26], and hydrogel self-assembly (formation of hydrogel by controlling intermolecular interactions and assembly behavior) [27]. Additionally, the mechanical and degradable properties of the hydrogels can be precisely regulated by varying the preparation conditions such as the degree of crosslinking and molecular weight of the polymers to meet the needs for the treatment of different skin defects [28].…”

Diversity of Bioinspired Hydrogels: From Structure to Applications

“…In vivo tests represent a determinant step for hydrogel applications. Interdisciplinary studies for hydrogel design, characterization, and in vitro investigations [55,92,116,189,380,381], along with access to preclinical and clinical studies to ensure safety and efficacy of new materials [98,271,[382][383][384][385], will accelerate the application of new concepts and revolutionary materials. Last but not least, education regarding the protection of nature, which generously offers us a variety of biomolecules, must be promoted beyond the academic framework.…”