Free-flowing, self-crosslinking, carboxymethyl starch and carboxymethyl cellulose microgels, as smart hydrogel dressings for wound repair

Abstract

Hydrogels are widely recognized and favoured as moist wound dressings due to their beneficial properties. However, their limited capacity to absorb fluids restricts their use in highly exuding wounds. Microgels are small sized hydrogels that have recently gained considerable attention in drug delivery applications due to their superior swelling behaviour and ease of application. In this study, we introduce dehydrated microgel particles (μGeld) that rapidly swell and interconnect, forming an integrated hydrogel when exposed to fluid. These free-flowing microgel particles, derived from the interaction of carboxymethylated forms of starch and cellulose, have been designed to significantly absorb fluid and release silver nanoparticles in order to effectively control infection. Studies using simulated wound models validated the microgels ability to efficiently regulate the wound exudate and create a moist environment. While the biocompatibility and hemocompatibility studies confirmed the safety of the μGel particles, its haemostatic property was established using relevant models. Furthermore, the promising results from a full-thickness wounds in rats have highlighted the enhanced healing potential of the microgel particles. These findings suggest that the dehydrated microgels can evolve as a new class of smart wound dressings.