Wound Care Applications Research Articles

Asymmetric Janus Nanofibrous Agar-Based Wound Dressing Infused with Enhanced Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties.

In the present study, we have developed an agar-based asymmetric Janus nanofibrous wound dressing comprising a support and an electrospun layer with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, respectively, to facilitate healing effectively. The support layer containing agar and silver nitrate was fabricated by using solvent casting for sustained release, combating the dose-dependent cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles, where nanoparticles were synthesized using a one-pot reduction method. The electrospun layer, fabricated with a mixture of agar and polycaprolactone infused with gallic acid, was electrospun over the support layer to impart antioxidant properties. Characterizations using UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy validated the synthesis of nanoparticles in 10-20 nm diameter and the asymmetric Janus dressing. The developed Janus nanofibrous structure exhibited 98% porosity, excellent fluid-handling properties, a moisture permeability of 1200 g/m2/day, and a water absorption of ∼250%. Moreover, the time-kill assay confirmed potent bacteriostatic effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and sustained release of silver nanoparticles followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. With over 90% free radical scavenging efficacy, 37% degradation in 7 days, and less than 2% hemolysis, the dressings demonstrated exceptional antioxidant, biodegradable, and hemocompatible properties. The biocompatibility assessment further confirmed its cytocompatible efficacy, with more than 79% wound closure in the wound scratch assay. Most importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated the efficacy of the developed Janus dressing, promoting over 97% healing within 12 days of injury with higher epithelial formation. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo assessment of the developed Janus dressing confirmed its potential to function as a versatile and effective material for wound care applications.

Literature Review on the Effectiveness of Modern Dressing in the Wound Care Process on Diabetic Wound Healing

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a health problem due to insulin deficiency or insulin resistance that causes high blood glucose. A frequent complication is diabetic ulcer, which is a condition of partial or complete tissue deformity. If it does not get proper treatment, it is very risky to get an infection that leads to amputation.Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has become a prevalent disease, imposing a significant burden on public health due to its widespread occurrence and association with numerous disabilities and fatalities. Uncontrolled DM can lead to severe metabolic complications and long-term vascular issues, including microangiopathy and macroangiopathy. Additionally, individuals with DM are highly susceptible to foot infections, which can escalate into gangrene if not properly managed. Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of modern dressing in the wound care process on diabetic wound healing. Methods: Data collection used descriptive analysis and literature study. The databases used were PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest and Web of Science. Journal inclusion criteria used PICO and article analysis was conducted by 6 authors. Findings: The evaluated article's findings elucidate the patient's degree of comfort and the more important healing process. It has been demonstrated that contemporary wound care applications make patients feel more at ease as their wounds heal, greatly aiding nurses in nursing care. Modern wound care is a practice that will evolve in response to advancements in nursing science; in this instance, it centers on how comfortable patients are while obtaining wound care-related medical treatments. Therefore, nurses must advance the knowledge behind the use of contemporary wound care to promote patient comfort and hasten the healing process. Conclusion: Modern wound care enhances patient comfort and accelerates healing, greatly supporting nursing practice. With evolving knowledge in nursing science, nurses need to master these methods to maximize patient comfort and recovery in wound care

Harnessing gold-ion crosslinked polyphenol-mediated hydrogels with enhanced tissue adhesiveness, antioxidation, and antibacterial for advanced wound care

Improperly treated wounds can lead to infection, prolonged healing time, and severe health complications. Therefore, developing advanced wound healing materials with antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and high adhesiveness is essential to support recovery and minimize risks. In this study, tannic acid-modified gelatin-based hydrogel was developed by crosslinking with gold ions, providing multiple properties to meet the requirements for wound healing. The conjugation of tannic acid (TA) on gelatin provides the hydrogel with antioxidative properties, while its ability to form multiple interactions ensures robust crosslinking and enhanced adhesion ability. Meanwhile, incorporating gold ions (Au3+) strengthens its mechanical properties and adds antibacterial effects. The hydrogel forms rapidly in about 10 seconds, featuring a porous structure and mechanical strength suitable for skin tissue. High tissue adhesion, demonstrated through UTM with an average value of 11.5 kPa, adds to its appeal. The hydrogel illustrated antioxidant capacity through DPPH assay and antibacterial ability against both E. coli and S. aureus, thanks to their inherited properties from TA and Au3+, respectively. The cytocompatibility of hydrogel was also demonstrated through WST-1 assay and live/dead staining, with cell viability for all samples over 82 %. These results underscore the potential of this hydrogel for advanced wound care applications.

Development and Characterization of Gingerol-Assisted Silver Nanoparticle and Chitosan Alginate Membrane for Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity.

This study synthesized and characterized gingerol-loaded silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), which were incorporated into chitosan-alginate (Cs/Alg) films for advanced wound care applications. Gingerol was isolated with a 9.81% yield, forming pale-yellow needle-shaped crystals with a melting point of 32ºC. The purity and structure of gingerol were confirmed through thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV-visible, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. The synthesized Ag-NPs, particularly from the GN3 batch, exhibited a small particle size (36.52 ± 3.52 nm), high stability (zeta potential of -23.20 mV), and notable encapsulation efficiency (76.35%) and yield (74.11%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed their spherical and smooth morphology. Stability tests over three months showed no substantial changes in particle size, ZP, or %EE. The Cs/Alg films demonstrated appropriate thickness, weight, water uptake, and pH changes, with GN-CM4 showing the best performance. In-vitro drug release studies indicated increased release rates, especially for GN-CM4, which also exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. In-vivo studies on excision and burn wound models showed that GN-CM4 promoted complete wound closure by day 21, enhanced hydroxyproline levels, reduced myeloperoxidase content, and facilitated superior tissue regeneration. These findings underscore the potential of gingerol-loaded Ag-NPs in enhancing wound healing through their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Preparation and motion-sensing properties of ion/electron mixed conductive hydrogels fabricated by carbon-coated sepiolite nanofibers

Hydrogels have experienced significant advancements owing to their versatile applications in biomedicine, wound care, food packaging, and smart devices. The pursuit of environmentally sustainable and scalable hydrogel production methods remains a primary research objective. This study introduces an innovative hydrogel fabrication technique involving the integration of surface-modified sepiolite nanofibers with polyacrylamide (PAM), resulting in the formation of sepiolite-based composite hydrogels (PASSC). These hydrogels exhibit both ionic and electronic conductivity, along with improved mechanical properties and rheological behavior. PASSC hydrogels demonstrate remarkable fatigue resistance, maintaining mechanical integrity over 10,000 stress cycles, thereby indicating their potential for long-term applications. Additionally, these hydrogels exhibit distinctive mixed conductivity, which enhances their strain sensitivity and efficacy in strain sensing. The ability of PASSC hydrogels to accurately detect a range of movements underscores their versatility and reliability in monitoring strain changes across diverse applications.

Silk-enriched hydrogels with ROS-scavenging dendrimers for advanced wound care

This study explores the development of novel hydrogel composites for wound care, incorporating silk fibroin and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging dendrimers into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Utilizing ionizing gamma radiation, we fabricated pristine PVA, silk-PVA (SPVA) binary, and dendrimer-silk-PVA (DSPVA) ternary hydrogel composites, with their composition confirmed via UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analyses indicated complex interactions between the hydrogel components, enhancing their structural and biocompatible properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that dendrimer integration in DSPVA hydrogels significantly increased surface porosity, vital for tissue regeneration. The DSPVA hydrogels demonstrated effective ROS scavenging, reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations by approximately 70 % within 24 h. In vivo wound healing studies in a diabetic mouse model showed enhanced wound closure in the DSPVA group, with a relative wound area reduction to 30 ± 4.3 % on day 10, compared to 56.5 ± 2.7 % in the control group. By the 16th day, the treated group exhibited near-complete wound contraction, markedly outperforming the control group. These findings underscore the potential of DSPVA hydrogels in diabetic wound management, combining silk fibroin's mechanical support, dendrimers' antioxidative properties, and PVA's structural benefits. Thus, DSPVA hydrogels are promising candidates for advanced wound care applications.

(Invited) Wearable Electrochemical Devices for Sensing and Treatment of Chronic Wounds

Chronic wounds are characterized by impaired healing and affect millions globally. These wounds result from a variety of factors, including pressure ulcers, venous and arterial insufficiencies, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and surgical complications. Present wound assessment and treatment strategies are expensive and ineffective. For example, widely used visual wound assessment methods lack diagnostic rigor. Wound biopsies address this issue but are expensive, time consuming, and invasive. Similarly, on the treatment side, current FDA-approved products are expensive, have short shelf-life, and achieve complete healing in ~50% cases at best. In this talk I will discuss my group’s approaches to addressing these key issues in wound care using innovative electrochemical devices. Specifically, I will provide details of how we are using new self-powered electrochemical sensors and water-powered biocompatible batteries for wound care applications.

Use of Integra dermal regeneration template in burn patients: An Italian expert consensus Delphi study

IntroductionBurn injuries pose significant challenges in healthcare, with Integra dermal regeneration template (DRT) emerging as a prominent solution to enhance wound healing and recovery. Although there is no clear consensus on its technical use and application. We convened a panel of 14 burn specialists aiming to provide consensus regarding the application and usage of Integra in managing burn wounds. MethodsPanelists employed a modified Delphi technique to assess agreement and provide feedback on 81 initial statements covering various aspects of Integra DRT application in burn wound care over three subsequent rounds. This study was endorsed by the Italian Society of Burn Surgery (SIUST). ResultsFourteen heads of burn unit departments participated in the Delphi process. At the end of the third round and subsequent discussion on the final statement list, the panel achieved consensus on 24 statements shaping recommendations for Integra application across various aspects, including wound bed preparation, acellular dermal matrix application, definitive coverage, and complication management. ConclusionThe resultant 24 finalized statements from this Italian consensus offer a comprehensive and practical framework for employing Integra DRT in burn patient care. Reflective of specific Italian expertise and practice, these recommendations supplement and refine existing literature, serving as a dynamic guide subject to periodic updates aligned with evolving evidence and experience in the field of burn surgery.

Advanced Methacrylated Gelatin (GelMA) Hydrogel Scaffolds for Wound Care Applications

Advanced Methacrylated Gelatin (GelMA) Hydrogel Scaffolds for Wound Care Applications

In Vitro Biological Evaluation of an Alginate-Based Hydrogel Loaded with Rifampicin for Wound Care.

We report a biocompatible hydrogel dressing based on sodium alginate-grafted poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) prepared by encapsulation of Rifampicin as an antimicrobial drug and stabilizing the matrix through the repeated freeze-thawing method. The hydrogel structure and polymer-drug compatibility were confirmed by FTIR, and a series of hydrogen-bond-based interactions between alginate and Rifampicin were identified. A concentration of 0.69% Rifampicin was found in the polymeric matrix using HPLC analysis and spectrophotometric UV-Vis methods. The hydrogel's morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and various sizes and shapes of pores, ranging from almost spherical geometries to irregular ones, with a smooth surface of the pore walls and high interconnectivity in the presence of the drug, were identified. The hydrogels are bioadhesive, and the adhesion strength increased after Rifampicin was encapsulated into the polymeric matrix, which suggests that these compositions are suitable for wound dressings. Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and MRSA, with an increased effect in the presence of the drug, was also found in the newly prepared hydrogels. In vitro biological evaluation demonstrated the cytocompatibility of the hydrogels and their ability to stimulate cell multiplication and mutual cell communication. The in vitro scratch assay demonstrated the drug-loaded alginate-grafted poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) hydrogel's ability to stimulate cell migration and wound closure. All of these results suggest that the prepared hydrogels can be used as antimicrobial materials for wound healing and care applications.

Integrated In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of a Powder-to-Hydrogel, Film-Forming Polymer Complex Base with Tissue-Protective and Microbiome-Supportive Properties.

The study aimed to perform a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a newly developed, patent-pending, powder-to-hydrogel, film-forming polymer complex base, which possesses tissue-protective and microbiome-supportive properties, and to compare its characteristics with poloxamer 407. The study used a combination of in vitro assays, including tissue viability and cell migration, and in vivo wound healing evaluations in male diabetic mice. Microbiome dynamics at wound sites were also analyzed. The in vitro assays demonstrated that the polymer complex base was non-cytotoxic and that it enhanced cell migration over poloxamer 407. In vivo, the polymer complex base demonstrated superior wound healing capabilities, particularly in combination with misoprostol and phenytoin, as evidenced by the reduced wound area and inflammation scores. Microbiome analysis revealed favorable shifts in bacterial populations associated with the polymer complex base-treated wounds. The polymer complex base demonstrates clinical significance in wound care, potentially offering improved healing, safety and microbiome support. Its transformative properties and efficacy in drug delivery make it a promising candidate for advanced wound care applications, particularly in chronic wound management.

Chitosan-gelatin micro/nanoparticles as a controlled delivery of Dexketoprofen trometamol for topical applications in wound care

Chitosan-gelatin micro/nanoparticles as a controlled delivery of Dexketoprofen trometamol for topical applications in wound care

Sodium alginate-based multifunctional sandwich-like system for treating wound infections

Microbial colonization and development of infections in wounds is a sign of chronicity. The prevailing approach to manage and treat these wounds involves dressings. However, these often fail in effectively addressing infections, as they struggle to both absorb exudates and maintain optimal local moisture. The system here presented was conceptualized with a three-layer design: the outer layer made of a fibrous polycaprolactone (PCL) film, to act as a barrier for preventing microorganisms and impurities from reaching the wound; the intermediate layer formed of a sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel loaded with ampicillin (Amp) for fighting infections; and the inner layer comprised of a fibrous film of PCL and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for facilitating cell recognition and preventing wound adhesion. Thermal evaluations, degradation, wettability and release behavior testing confirmed the system resistance overtime. The sandwich demonstrated the capability for absorbing exudates (≈70 %) and exhibited a controlled release of Amp for up to 24 h. Antimicrobial testing was performed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as representatives of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria: >99 % elimination of bacteria. Cell cytotoxicity assessments showed high cytocompatibility levels, confirming the safety of the proposed sandwich system. Adhesion assays confirmed the system ease of detaching without mechanical effort (0.37 N). Data established the efficiency of the sandwich-like system, suggesting promising applications in infected wound care.

Cobalt doped Prussian blue modified hollow polydopamine for enhanced antibacterial therapy

Give the emergence of drug resistance in bacteria resulting from antibiotic misuse, there is an urgent need for research and application of novel antibacterial approaches. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their potential to disrupt bacteria cellular structure through loading drugs and special mechanisms, thus rendering them inactive. In this study, the surface of hollow polydopamine (HPDA) NPs was utilized for the growth of Prussian blue (PB), resulting in the formation of HPDA-PB NPs. Incorporation of Co element during the preparation process led to partial doping of PB with Co2+ ions. The performance test results demonstrated that the HPDA-PB NPs exhibited superior photothermal conversion efficiency and peroxidase-like activity compared to PB NPs. HPDA-PB NPs have the ability to catalyze the formation of hydroxyl radicals from H2O2 in a weakly acidic environment. Due to the tiny PB particles on the surface and the presence of Co2+ doping, they have strong broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. Both in vitro and in vivo evaluations confirm their efficacy against various bacterial strains, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, and their potential to promote wound healing, making them a promising candidate for advanced wound care and antimicrobial applications.

Production and comprehensive characterization of PVA/chitosan transdermal composite mats loaded with bioactive curcumin; evaluation of its release kinetics, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and biocompatibility features

AbstractRecently, researchers have shown increasing interest in incorporating bioactive substances with therapeutic properties into fiber‐structured mat biomaterials, which are favored as tissue scaffolds for wound healing applications. In this study, curcumin (Cur)‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS) composite mats were produced using the electrospinning method and followed by the freeze‐drying method. Scanning electron microscope images proved the homogeneous structure of the composite mats, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that the Cur‐loaded composite mats were successfully produced. The antibacterial activity of Cur‐loaded PVA/CS composite mats was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the results showed that the antibacterial activity of the composite mats increased with the addition of Cur. Furthermore, the antioxidant test, release kinetics tests, and in vitro biocompatibility studies such as cytotoxicity, staining, and scratch assay of Cur‐loaded PVA/CS composite mats were carried out. The results showed that adding Cur enhanced the bioactivity of PVA10/CS10 composite mats. Further, the biocompatibility findings indicated that 10Cur‐PVA10/CS10 exhibited the highest viability value throughout all incubation periods compared with the other samples. Moreover, the highest rate of scratch closure on the 10Cur‐PVA/10/CS10 composite mats was observed at the end of 24 h compared with the other composite mats. These findings indicate that the Cur‐loaded PVA10/CS10 composite mats significantly positively impact cell migration and wound healing, making them a promising candidate as transdermal composite mats for tissue engineering and wound care applications.

Donkey Gelatin and Keratin Nanofibers Loaded with Antioxidant Agents for Wound Healing Dressings.

Acute and chronic wounds present a significant healthcare challenge, requiring innovative solutions for effective treatment. The exploitation of natural by-products with advanced cell regeneration potential and plant-based materials, which possess bioactive properties, is an innovative topic in wound management. This study investigates the potential of donkey gelatin and keratin for blending with natural bioactive extracts such as sumac, curcumin, and oak acorn to fabricate antioxidant and antimicrobial nanofibers with accelerated wound healing processes. The fabricated nanofibers possess good in vitro biocompatibility, except for the sumac-based donkey nanofibers, where cell viability significantly dropped to 56.25% (p < 0.05 compared to non-treated cells). The nanofiber dimensions showed structural similarities to human extracellular matrix components, providing an ideal microenvironment for tissue regeneration. The donkey nanofiber-based sumac and curcumin extracts presented a higher dissolution in the first 10 min (74% and 72%). Curcumin extract showed similar antimicrobial and antifungal performances to rivanol, while acorn and sumac extracts demonstrated similar values to each other. In vitro tests performed on murine fibroblast cells demonstrated high migration rates of 89% and 85% after 24 h in the case of acorn and curcumin nanofibers, respectively, underscoring the potential of these nanofibers as versatile platforms for advanced wound care applications.

Improvement of skin wound healing by giant salamander skin mucus gel wrapped with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via affecting integrin family molecules.

Traditional bandages, gauze, and cotton balls are increasingly insufficient for addressing complex war injuries characterized by severe bleeding and diverse wound conditions. The giant salamander, a species of high medical value, secretes a unique mucus when stimulated, which has potential applications in wound care. Giant salamander skin mucus gel dressing wrapped with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs-GSSM-gel) was prepared and validated. Skin wound injury of rabbit and mouse models were established. Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining were performed. The platelet aggregation rate and coagulation items were measured. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to find potential differential expression genes. Preparation and characterization of BMSCs-GSSM-gel were performed, and BMSCs-GSSM-gel particles with a diameter of about 200 nm were obtained. BMSCs-GSSM-gel accelerated wound healing in both rabbit and mouse models. BMSCs-GSSM-gel significantly promoted hemostasis via increasing platelet aggregation rate and fibrinogen, but decreasing activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and prothrombin time. BMSCs-GSSM-gel treatment significantly impacted several genes associated with cell adhesion, inflammatory response, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, and the positive regulation of cell migration based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Integrin Subunit Beta 4 (ITGB4), Integrin Subunit Alpha 3 (ITGA3), and Laminin Subunit Beta 3 (LAMB3) might be involved in the wound healing process by BMSCs-GSSM-gel. We proved the BMSCs-GSSM-gel greatly improved the skin wound healing, and it might play a crucial role in the application fields of skin damage repair.

Bilateral Crosslinking with Glutaraldehyde and 1-Ethyl-3-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl) Carbodiimide: An Optimization Strategy for the Application of Decellularized Human Amniotic Membrane in Tissue Engineering

Introduction. The decellularized human amniotic membrane (dHAM) emerges as a viable 3D scaffold for organ repair and replacement using a tissue engineering strategy. Glutaraldehyde (GTA) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) can increase the biomechanical properties of dHAM. However, the crosslinking process is associated with biochemical changes and residual toxic materials, dampening the biocompatibility of the dHAM. From a histologic point of view, each side of the amniotic membrane is biologically different. While the dHAM basement membrane side is rich in growth factors, the stromal side of the dHAM contains more connective tissue matrix (e.g., collagen fibers) which supports its biomechanical properties. Biocompatibility and biomechanical properties are two important challenges in the field of materials science. In this study, for the first time, the stromal and basement membrane side are cross-linked with GTA and EDC, respectively, to optimize the biocompatibility of the treated dHAM while sparing the GTA-mediated biomechanical improvements. Methods. Crosslinking was carried out on dHAM in three groups: EDC, GTA and bilateral treatment with EDC&amp;GTA. Mechanical resistance, degradability, and crosslinking measurements were performed on treated dHAM. The viability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the scaffolds was evaluated by the MTT assay. The expression levels of surface markers and images of the MSCs were thoroughly studied. Results. The results obtained showed that bilateral treatment of dHAM with EDC and GTA increased mechanical resistance. Similarly, the evaluation of surface markers revealed that bilaterally treated dHAM sustains the stemness and viability of MSCs at a level equal to that achieved with EDC alone. The SEM images indicated that the MSCs maintained adhesion on EDC&amp;GTA-cross-linked dHAM. Conclusion. The current study explores a pioneering treatment of dHAM, a material long recognized for its regenerative properties, in a novel context. This research delves into the utilization of dHAM cross-linked with EDC&amp;GTA, demonstrating its optimized efficacy in tissue engineering. The enhanced crosslinking technique significantly alters the membrane’s properties, amplifying its durability and therapeutic potential. In this novel bilateral treatment strategy (EDC and GTA), improving mechanical properties by GTA on the stromal surface and maintaining the biocompatibility of EDC on the side of the basement membrane of dHAM had been attained together. By investigating the handling and impact of this cross-linked membrane, this study unveils a new approach in leveraging a well-known material through an innovative process, revolutionizing its application in wound care.

Artificial intelligence in wound care: diagnosis, assessment and treatment of hard-to-heal wounds: a narrative review.

The effective assessment of wounds, both acute and hard-to-heal, is an important component in the delivery by wound care practitioners of efficacious wound care for patients. Improved wound diagnosis, optimising wound treatment regimens, and enhanced prevention of wounds aid in providing patients with a better quality of life (QoL). There is significant potential for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health-related areas such as wound care. However, AI-based systems remain to be developed to a point where they can be used clinically to deliver high-quality wound care. We have carried out a narrative review of the development and use of AI in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. We retrieved 145 articles from several online databases and other online resources, and 81 of them were included in this narrative review. Our review shows that AI application in wound care offers benefits in the assessment/diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of acute and hard-to-heal wounds. As well as offering patients the potential of improved QoL, AI may also enable better use of healthcare resources.

Chitosan thermogelation and cascade mineralization via sequential CaCO3 incorporations for wound care

Physically crosslinked hydrogels have shown great potential as excellent and eco-friendly matrices for wound management. Herein, we demonstrate the development of a thermosensitive chitosan hydrogel system using CaCO3 as a gelling agent, followed by CaCO3 mineralization to fine-tune its properties. The chitosan hydrogel effectively gelled at 37 °C and above after an incubation period of at least 2 h, facilitated by the CaCO3-mediated slow deprotonation of primary amine groups on chitosan polymers. Through synthesizing and characterizing various chitosan hydrogel compositions, we found that mineralization played a key role in enhancing the hydrogels' mechanical strength, viscosity, and thermal inertia. Moreover, thorough in vitro and in vivo assessments of the chitosan-based hydrogels, whether modified with mineralization or not, demonstrated their outstanding hemostatic activity (reducing coagulation time by >41 %), biocompatibility with minimal inflammation, and biodegradability. Importantly, in vivo evaluations using a rat burn wound model unveiled a clear wound healing promotion property of the chitosan hydrogels, and the mineralized form outperformed its precursor, with a reduction of >7 days in wound closure time. This study presents the first-time utilization of chitosan/CaCO3 as a thermogelation formulation, offering a promising prototype for a new family of thermosensitive hydrogels highly suited for wound care applications.