Preparation of a Hydrogel Nanofiber Wound Dressing

Abstract

The study addressed the production of a hydrogel nanofiber skin cover and included the fabrication of hydrogel nanofibers from a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and alginate. The resulting fibrous layer was then crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, and, after 4 h of crosslinking, although the gelling component, i.e., the alginate, crosslinked, the polyvinyl alcohol failed to do so. The experiment included the comparison of the strength and ductility of the layers before and after crosslinking. It was determined that the fibrous layer following crosslinking evinced enhanced mechanical properties, which acted to facilitate the handling of the material during its application. The subsequent testing procedure proved that the fibrous layer was not cytotoxic. The study further led to the production of a modified hydrogel nanofiber layer that combined polyvinyl alcohol with alginate and albumin. The investigation of the fibrous layers produced determined that following contact with water the polyvinyl alcohol dissolved leading to the release of the albumin accompanied by the swelling of the alginate and the formation of a hydrogel.

Smart 3D Printed Hydrogel Skin Wound Bandages: A Review

“…Despite promising clinical results, there are still many challenges regarding skin substitutes. For example, most skin substitutes consist of allogeneic skin which can be highly immunogenic and contain cellular remnants that may cause body rejection for the skin substitute [ 151 ]. In addition, methods to sterilize skin substitutes may be insufficient to eliminate transmission of unknown or prion disease from animal material [ 152 ].…”

A review on the synthesis and development of alginate hydrogels for wound therapy

“…At the same time, sodium alginate expands and forms a hydrogel. 115 This process has been relatively well established and is not costly.…”

Preparation and characterisation of polycaprolactone–fibroin nanofibrous scaffolds containing allicin

“…Through growth factors that mediate these pathways, cell adhesion and cell migration lead to wound healing. Skin regeneration is a complex process that involves the proliferation and alignment of cells where there is a barrier to regeneration [ 18 ]. One of the main barriers is the production of reactive oxygen elements from inflammation or infection.…”