A physicochemical double-cross-linked gelatin hydrogel with enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities for improving wound healing

Abstract

Background Skin tissue is vital in protecting the body from injuries and bacterial infections. Wound infection caused by bacterial colonization is one of the main factors hindering wound healing. Wound infection caused by colonization of a large number of bacteria can cause the wound to enter a continuous stage of inflammation, which delays wound healing. Hydrogel wound dressing is composed of natural and synthetic polymers, which can absorb tissue fluid, improve the local microenvironment of wound, and promote wound healing. However, in the preparation process of hydrogel, the complex preparation process and poor biological efficacy limit the application of hydrogel wound dressing in complex wound environment. Therefore, it is particularly important to develop and prepare hydrogel dressings with simple technology, good physical properties and biological effects by using natural polymers. Results In this study, a gelatin-based (Tsg-THA&Fe) hydrogel was created by mixing trivalent iron (Fe3+) and 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzaldehyde (THA) to form a complex (THA&Fe), followed by a simple Schiff base reaction with tilapia skin gelatin (Tsg). The gel time and rheological properties of the hydrogels were adjusted by controlling the number of complexes. The dynamic cross-linking of the coordination bonds (o-phthalmictriol-Fe3+) and Schiff base bonds allows hydrogels to have good self-healing and injectable properties. In vitro experiments confirmed that the hydrogel had good biocompatibility and biodegradability as well as adhesion, hemostasis, and antibacterial properties. The feasibility of Tsg-THA&Fe hydrogel was studied by treating rat skin trauma model. The results showed that compared with Comfeel® Plus Transparent dressing, the Tsg-THA&Fe hydrogel could obvious reduce the number of microorganisms, prevent bacterial colonization, reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing. Local distribution of the Tsg-THA&Fe hydrogel in the skin tissue did not cause organ toxicity. Conclusions In summary, the preparation process of Tsg-THA&Fe hydrogel is simple, with excellent performance in physical properties and biological efficacy. It can effectively relieve inflammation and control the colonization of wound microbes, and can be used as a multi-functional dressing to improve wound healing. Graphical Abstract

Protective Effect of Polyphenols Purified from Mallotus oblongfolius on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury by Regulating Nrf2 and MAPKs Pathways

“…After continuous gavage for a week, all of the rats were fasted but kept in water for 24 h. On the eighth day, with the exception of the NC group, all groups were given 5 mL/kg anhydrous ethanol by gavage. Four hours later, the rats were anesthetized with 10% chloral hydras and sacrificed by cervical dislocation [ 16 , 17 ]. The required samples were collected and preserved.…”

Are Natural Compounds a Promising Alternative to Synthetic Cross-Linking Agents in the Preparation of Hydrogels?

“…In turn, this phenomenon leads to inflammation, which has a key impact on preventing wound healing [ 233 , 234 ]. Therefore, the innate antibacterial potential and anti-inflammatory properties of the natural components offer an advantage for the improved design for wound healing applications [ 231 , 235 , 236 , 237 ]. On the other hand, oxidative stress has also been implicated in inhibiting the normal cell differentiation and prolonging healing and tissue regeneration [ 238 ].…”

Utilisation of probiotics for disease management in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii): Administration methods, antagonistic effects and immune response

“…Besides WTD, other serious infections specific to M. rosenbergii include Macrobrachium hepatopancreatic parvovirus (MHPV) and Macrobrachium nipponensis reovirus (MnRV), which have a unique onset in the digestive tract. MHPV is caused by a parvo-like virus resulting in hepatopancreatic nuclear lesions in R and E-cells in hepatopancreas' and midgut's epithelial cells (Kumaresan et al, 2017) (Lu et al, 2022). The digestive tract in larval, post-larval and adult prawns is highly vulnerable to bacterial invasion, especially rickettsias, which can disable the tubular structures of the digestive system leading to darkening and eventual death (Farook et al, 2019;Rowley, 2022).…”