Use Of Wound Dressings Research Articles

A Taguchi Approach for Optimization of Antimicrobial Effect of Whey Protein Based Edible Film Fermented by Bacillus clausii

Bacillus clausii, an antagonistic bacterium, was utilized to develop antimicrobial edible films based on whey protein concentrate. This study employed a Taguchi test (3 × 3) to evaluate the impact of temperature, pH, and protein concentration on film properties. Optimal growth of B. clausii occurred at 6% (w/v) protein and pH 9.5. The resulting film solutions demonstrated antimicrobial activity, exhibiting inhibition zones against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 13.68 mm, 16.88 mm, 11.38 mm, and 17.15 mm, respectively. The optimum antimicrobial property of the films was observed when the incubation condition of pH 8.5, 35 °C and 6% (w/v) protein. Survival rates of B. clausii in the dry film were 86% at 4 °C and 87% at 25 °C over 14 days. Additionally, the highest tensile strength (TS) and percent elongation at break (%E) for the films were recorded at 3.14 MPa (pH = 9.5, 37 °C, 8% protein) and 27.63% (pH = 9.0, 35 °C, 10% protein), respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential for developing effective antimicrobial films through 24-h fermentation of B. clausii in the film solution. This antimicrobial film shows potential for use in wound dressings or food packaging applications.

Preparation and Characterization of IPNs for Controlled Release of 5-Fluorouracil: Evaluation of Possible Use in Wound Dressing

Preparation and Characterization of IPNs for Controlled Release of 5-Fluorouracil: Evaluation of Possible Use in Wound Dressing

Effect of Tetrapropylammonium Chloride Quaternary Ammonium Salt on Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Properties of PLA/PEG Electrospun Mat.

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-tetrapropylammonium chloride (TCL)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nonwoven networks were produced using PLA, PEG with different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9 wt%), and TCL. PEG is included as a plasticizer in PLA polymer, which has high biocompatibility but a brittle structure. The importance of this study is to investigate the effect of TCL salt on the characterization of PLA-PEG nanofibers. For this research, the cytotoxicity test system responsible for the fibroblast cell line (L929) was evaluated with the liquid absorption capacity (LAC) and drying time tests for its use in wound dressings. The addition of TCL salt reduced bead formation in PLA-PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion. The smoothest and most homogeneous nonwoven networks were obtained as PLA-5TCL-PEG. It was also reported that this nonwoven network exhibited liquid absorption behavior with a maximum increase of 150% compared to the PLA-PEG nonwoven network and had the highest Young's modulus value of 12.97 MPa. In addition to these tests, evaluations were made with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), drying time test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical tests. In addition, high cell viability was observed in L292 mouse fibroblast cells at the end of the 24th hour, again with the effect of TCL salt. In addition, antibacterial activity was tested against gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus bacteria, and it was observed that there was no antibacterial activity. Since PLA-TCL-PEG nonwoven webs have a maximum cell viability of 133.27%, they are recommended as a potential dermal wound dressing.

Preparation and characterization of structural and antifouling properties of chitosan/polyethylene oxide membranes

It aims to prepare the chitosan (CS) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) hydrogel membranes with different CS/PEO blend ratios (100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30) via solvent casting. The physicochemical properties of these membranes were investigated using various characterization techniques: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), contact angle, and tensile testing. The interaction of PEO and chitosan was investigated by DSC in terms of freezing bound, freezing free, and non-freezing PEO fraction. The cross-sectional surface morphology of membranes displayed a smoother surface with increasing PEO content up to 20 %, beyond which nonhomogeneity on the surface was visible. The antifouling behavior of membranes was investigated by bacterial adherence study, which showed an enhanced antifouling nature of membranes with the increase in the PEO content. The peeling strength of the membranes was measured using a 90° angle peeling test, and it was found that 20 % and more PEO content promotes easy removal from the gelatin slab. In addition to this, live/ dead assay of the CS was performed to visualize the presence of live and dead bacteria on the surface. The CS/PEO blend with 20 % PEO content has properties makes it suitable for use as a protective layer on wound dressings to prevent bacterial growth. It's use in wound dressings has the potential to reduce the pain during the time of dressing removal and improve patient outcomes. The present investigation leads to the development of a CS hydrogel matrix which exhibits very interesting interaction with the PEO moiety along with its innovative feature of antifouling and antimicrobial nature.

Characterization of Electrospinning Chitosan Nanofibers Used for Wound Dressing.

Wound dressings play a crucial role in promoting wound healing by providing a protective barrier against infections and facilitating tissue regeneration. Electrospun nanofibers have emerged as promising materials for wound dressing applications due to their high surface area, porosity, and resemblance to the extracellular matrix. In this study, chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, was electrospun into nanofibers for potential use in wound dressing. The chitosan nanofibers were characterized by using various analytical techniques to assess their morphology and biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of uniform and bead-free nanofibers with diameters ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers. Structural analysis, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), elucidated the chemical composition and crystalline structure of the nanofibers. Furthermore, in vitro studies evaluated the cytocompatibility of the chitosan nanofibers with human dermal fibroblasts, demonstrating cell viability and proliferation on the nanofibers. Additionally, antibacterial properties were assessed to evaluate the potential of chitosan nanofibers in preventing wound infections. Overall, the characterization results highlight the promising attributes of electrospun chitosan nanofibers as wound dressings, paving the way for further investigation and development in the field of advanced wound care. This study has been carried out for the first time in our region and has assessed the antibacterial properties of electrospun chitosan nanofiber material. The created mat has shown efficaciousness against bacteria that are both gram-positive and gram-negative.

Development and In-vitro Evaluation of Konjac Glucomannan/Virgin Coconut Oil Based Asymmetric Membrane for Wound Dressing

Asymmetric membranes have promising features for use in wound dressings. A permeable bottom layer absorbs the wound exudate, whereas the occlusive top layer restricts microbiological penetration and avoids an excessive loss of water. Recently, asymmetric membranes made of konjac glucomannan (KGM), a natural polysaccharide, have been explored as potential wound treatments. However, there are no studies reported regarding the incorporation of other materials into KGM asymmetric membrane. Due to its biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties, virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a good choice for promoting the healing process. In this study, we examine the potential of using KGM asymmetric membrane with different concentration of VCO as wound dressing material. The membrane sample's asymmetric morphology and good thermal stability were both revealed by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric studies, respectively. In addition, biological and fluid handling capacity analysis indicated that the KGM-VCO membrane is biocompatible and able to maintain the ideal moist environment for wound healing.

Kombucha fungus bio-coating for improving mechanical and antibacterial properties of cellulose composites

Some microorganisms can produce biofilm to create survival conditions. These biofilms are highly resistant to different environmental conditions, and dealing with them is challenging. However, it significantly increases bacterial resistance. Hence, most relevant articles focus on destroying and preventing microorganisms' biofilm creation, and very few articles have been written on the use of microorganism biofilm for manufacturing (especially biocomposite manufacturing). Also, biofilm production by microorganisms on the intended surface (bio-coating process) is challenging. This study planned the conditions so kombucha fungus produces biofilm on a cellulose layer (bio-coating on the surface). As a result of this action, Kombucha biofilm created a biocomposite with good barrier properties and mechanical properties (tensile index: 59 k Nm/kg, burst index: 4.8 kPa.m2/g, air permeability: 189 ml/min, porosity percentage: %10, density: 0.85 gr/cm3, contact angle:72°)The composite has such strong antibacterial properties that a significant inhibition zone was formed in the well diffusion test, and a semi-inhibition zone was also observed. This inhibition zone for the Gram-positive pathogen (S. aureus) was 10.2 mm, close to the tetracycline control sample (11 mm). (the other antibacterial test results for S. aureus: MIC:15 µl, MBC:25 µl,R-number:8,and for E.coli MIC: 15 µl, MBC:25 µl, R-number7: inhibition zone:7.4 mm) These results, along with the results of the permeability and mechanical tests, further demonstrate the operational success of this surface modification. Also, due to its properties, this biocomposite can be suggested for use in wound dressing, pharmaceutical coating, and protecting food with high nutritional value and perishability.

Recent advances in molecular mechanisms of skin wound healing and its treatments.

The skin, being a multifaceted organ, performs a pivotal function in the complicated wound-healing procedure, which encompasses the triggering of several cellular entities and signaling cascades. Aberrations in the typical healing process of wounds may result in atypical scar development and the establishment of a persistent condition, rendering patients more vulnerable to infections. Chronic burns and wounds have a detrimental effect on the overall quality of life of patients, resulting in higher levels of physical discomfort and socio-economic complexities. The occurrence and frequency of prolonged wounds are on the rise as a result of aging people, hence contributing to escalated expenditures within the healthcare system. The clinical evaluation and treatment of chronic wounds continue to pose challenges despite the advancement of different therapeutic approaches. This is mainly owing to the prolonged treatment duration and intricate processes involved in wound healing. Many conventional methods, such as the administration of growth factors, the use of wound dressings, and the application of skin grafts, are used to ease the process of wound healing across diverse wound types. Nevertheless, these therapeutic approaches may only be practical for some wounds, highlighting the need to advance alternative treatment modalities. Novel wound care technologies, such as nanotherapeutics, stem cell treatment, and 3D bioprinting, aim to improve therapeutic efficacy, prioritize skin regeneration, and minimize adverse effects. This review provides an updated overview of recent advancements in chronic wound healing and therapeutic management using innovative approaches.

In English

The use of wound dressings is gaining more and more popularity, especially in the field of tactical and military medicine. Developing wound dressings capable of facilitating wound treatment and reducing healing time is one of the challenges of modern science. So, sodium alginate (Alg) is a good candidate for the development of wound dressings due to its bio- and hemocompatibility and biodegradability. However, Alg has its shortcomings, which can be dispatched by modification. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of Alg modification on the kinetics of ethonium release from crosslinked with Ca2+ ions samples. For this purpose, a method of Alg modifying with octane-1-amine was developed without the use of organic solvents and with the use of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCl) as an initiator. The optimal parameters of alginate modification process were defined as 60 °С temperature and 24 hours duration. Physicochemical methods confirmed the success of the modification. Films based on the alginate modified with octane-1-amine (AlgM) were obtained using a calcium chloride solution as a crosslinker. The kinetics of swelling was studied and we found that the degree of swelling of the sample based on AlgM after 10 minutes is twice as large (α = 0.71) as for Alg (α = 0.37), which indicates a faster release of drugs. It has been found that the kinetics of release of ethonium depends not only on the kinetics of swelling but also on the chemical nature of the drug. The ethonium was immobilised in alginate films as a model of bactericidal drug. The kinetics of ethonium release was studied at different pH values corresponding to the pH of healthy skin (5.5), open wounds (7.2) and inflamed wounds (8.2). It was found that the release of ethonium from the sample based on AlgM is more pH-sensitive and prolonged, compared to the sample based on Alg. This effect is explained by the appearance of an additional mechanism of retention of ethonium by AlgM due to hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions in the films. The prolonged release properties observed in the drug-loaded samples make them promising candidates for the development of targeted drug delivery systems and wound dressings, which are particularly relevant for the treatment of chronic and burn wounds. Future research will focus on optimizing the crosslinking method and exploring potential applications of modified alginate-based materials in biomedical sciences.

Recent advancements in development and application of microbial cellulose in food and non-food systems.

Microbial cellulose is a fermented form of very pure cellulose with a fibrous structure. The media rich in glucose or other carbon sources are fermented by bacteria to produce microbial cellulose. The bacteria use the carbon to produce cellulose, which grows as a dense, gel-like mat on the surface of the medium. The product was then collected, cleaned, and reused in various ways. The properties of microbial cellulose, such as water holding capacity, gas permeability, and ability to form a flexible, transparent film make it intriguing for food applications. Non-digestible microbial cellulose has been shown to improve digestive health and may have further advantages. It is also very absorbent, making it a great option for use in wound dressings. The review discusses the generation of microbial cellulose and several potential applications of microbial cellulose in fields including pharmacy, biology, materials research, and the food industry.

Designing aloe vera-sterculia gum based copolymeric hydrogel dressings for drug delivery

Herein the present work, aloe vera (AV) and sterculia gum (SG) based polymer network hydrogels have been designed for use in wound dressing and drug delivery (DD) applications. The hydrogels were prepared by graft copolymerization reaction of poly(2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) [poly (METAC)] onto AV and SG. Polymers were characterized by FESEM, SEM, EDS, AFM, C13 NMR, FTIR, XRD and TGA-DTG analysis. Swelling, drug delivery and biomedical properties of dressings have been evaluated. Sustained diffusion of moxifloxacin drug from dressings exhibited a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism and the release profile was best fitted in the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. Various interactions of polymers with blood and goat membranes revealed the biocompatible and mucoadhesive nature of the dressings. Hydrogel dressings were found permeable to O2 and water vapour and impermeable to microbes. Overall, these properties revealed that these hydrogels could act as suitable materials for design of wound dressings. Furthermore, antioxidant properties of AV, wound healing characteristic of SG, antibacterial properties of poly(METAC) and encapsulated moxifloxacin drug in hydrogel dressings may enhance the wound healing potential of hydrogel wound dressings (HWD).

Augmented wound healing potential of photosensitive GelMA hydrogel incorporating antimicrobial peptides and MXene nanoparticles.

Introduction: Wound healing is a delicate and complex process influenced by many factors. The treatment of skin wounds commonly involves the use of wound dressings, which remain a routine approach. An ideal dressing can provide protection and a suitable environment for wound surfaces by maintaining moisture and exhibiting good biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and antibacterial properties to promote healing and prevent infection. Methods: We encapsulated tick-derived antibacterial polypeptides (Os) as a model drug within a methylacrylyl gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel containing MXene nanoparticles. The prepared composite hydrogels were evaluated for their wound dressing potential by analyzing surface morphology, mechanical properties, swelling behavior, degradation properties, antibacterial activity, and cytocompatibility. Results: The results demonstrated excellent mechanical strength, swelling performance, degradation behavior, and antibacterial activity of the prepared composite hydrogels, effectively promoting cell growth, adhesion, and expression of antibacterial peptide activity. A full-thickness rat wound model then observed the wound healing process and surface interactions between the composite hydrogels and wounds. The composite hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced inflammation, and sped epithelial formation and maturation. Discussion: Incorporating antibacterial peptides into GelMA provides a feasible strategy for developing excellent antibacterial wound dressings capable of tissue repair. In conclusion, this study presents a GelMA-based approach for designing antibacterial dressings with strong tissue regenerative ability.

Theruptor novo: wound dressing for diabetic foot ulcer

One of the main risk factor affecting the normal wound healing process of is diabetes. India being the capital for diabetes, has a prevalence of 9.6% with 74 million patients living with diabetes and is expected to be 124 million by 2045. The most dreadful complication of diabetes mellitus is the diabetic foot ulcer. Foot ulcer and amputation are among the leading reasons for high morbidity, healthcare costs and mortality in diabetes patients. Numerous things must come together for a chronic wound to heal, and one crucial component of care is the use of wound dressings and these should create an ideal environment for healing while safeguarding the site from infection and additional damage. A diabetic patient presented with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer (10.83 cm2) with severe loss of protective sensation, exposed excised fourth and fifth metatarsals and he was treated and followed up with regular normal saline washes and Theruptor Novo dressings. The wound started to show signs of healing and within 7 weeks, the wound healed with complete epithelization. Theruptor Novo dressing was helpful in terms of good granulation tissue growth and epithe­lialization over time with good exudate management. Theruptor Novo, a non-adherent dressing with unique antimicrobial action cab be useful in managing diabetic foot ulcers.

Principles for the use of modern wound dressings
 for local treatment of limited borderline burns

Aim of the review to analyze the principles of the use of wound dressings for limited borderline burns.
 We have made an attempt to systematize the use of wound dressings depending on the state of the wound surface, the stage of the wound process. The proposed system simplifies the selection of the dressing and increases the chance for optimal treatment leading to positive clinical results.

Evaluation of covalent and supra-molecular interactions in phosphated galacturonic-glucuronic acid for network structure for use in wound dressings

Keeping in view the wound healing properties of sterculia gum (SG) and ceftriaxone in consideration, in the present work, antibiotic drug encapsulated SG and poly(vinylphosphonic acid) [poly(VPA)] based copolymeric hydrogel wound dressings were designed to enhance the wound healing. Copolymers were characterized by FESEM & EDS, AFM, FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD, TGA and biomedical assay of blood compatibility, mucoadhesion and antioxidant properties. AFM analysis revealed 76.5 nm average roughness and XRD analysis showed sharp peaks at 2θ = 21°. FTIR spectrum of copolymer indicated characteristic peaks at 1116 cm−1 due to stretching vibration of P = O groups of poly(VPA) and twin peaks at 985 and 920 cm−1 due to asymmetric and symmetric vibration of P-O respectively and depicted grafting of phosphated polymers onto gum. The hemolysis test (hemolysis index = 3.40 ± 0.18%) revealed biocompatible nature and the adhesion test demonstrated 84 ± 5.00 mN detachment force which was required to detach the copolymer from the mucosal membrane. Hydrogel dressings absorbed 6.0 ± 5.00 (g/g gel) simulated wound fluid to main the moist wound environment. They were found permeable to O2 and impermeable to microbes and also exhibited antioxidant character. The release profile of ceftriaxone elucidated sustained release of encapsulated ceftriaxone drug with non-Fickian diffusion mechanism and was best fitted in first order kinetic model. Covalent and supra-molecular interactions formed in phosphated galacturonic-glucuronic acid of sterculia gum (SG) were found useful for sustained drug delivery and mucoadhesive properties. These biophysical interactions demonstrated the suitability of antibiotic-encapsulated network structures for wound dressing applications.

Biopolymeric Membranes with Active Principle of Olive Leaves (Olea europaea L.) for Potential Topical Application

The biggest challenge for scientists is to create an ideal wound dressing that should be non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable, providing optimal conditions for the most effective regeneration process. Biomaterials loaded with plant-derived compounds show better biocompatibility and biological properties, ensuring a faster tissue repair process. In order to develop membranes with good mechanical properties and anti-bacterial properties, the objective of this work describes the synthesis of a chitosan-based membrane added with olive leaf extract as an active principle with potential for topical application. The material developed was characterized in terms of morphology, physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, and the anti-bacterial capacity of the membranes. The results indicated that the developed membrane has good potential for use as a wound dressing, as it presented mechanical properties (30.17 ± 8.73 MPa) and fluid draining capacity (29.31 ± 1.65 g·m−2·h−1) adequacy. In addition, the antimicrobial activity analysis revealed the active membrane potential against E. coli and S. aureus reaching 9.9 mm and 9.1 mm, respectively, in inhibition zones, the most common bacteria in skin wounds. Therefore, all the results indicate that the developed membrane presents viable characteristics for the use of wound dressing.

Dressings produced from PVA nanofibers containing chloramphenicol

In this study, electrospun PVA membranes crosslinked with citric acid or glutaraldehyde and containing the antibiotic chloramphenicol (CLF) were obtained for the production of dressings. This material was characterized by SEM, FTIR, DSC, TGA NMR, degree of swelling, and solubility. The SEM images showed the possibility of obtaining nanofibers with a diameter between 600 and 700 nm. Crosslinking with citric acid (3% m/m) was the only one able to give stability to PVA fibers in water and preserve their morphology. The stability of PVA fibers in water was associated with a decrease in OH groups in PVA and an increase in crystallinity, both effects promoted by crosslinking. The increase in crystallinity due to crosslinking was observed by DSC, DRX, and FTIR analyses. A linear correlation was found between the increase in enthalpy of fusion and the increase in crystallinity. The FTIR analysis confirmed the incorporation of the drug into the fibers. The results of TGA analysis suggested that the presence of basic groups in the CLF molecule may act as proton receptors delaying the first stage of thermal degradation of the polymer. The absence of CLF-related peaks in the X-ray diffractograms and DSC curves suggests that the drug may be in an amorphous state, which improves the solubility of CLF and facilitates its immediate release, making the drug more bioavailable. The mechanism of CLF release indicated that the kinetics follows the typical Weibull model for matrix systems, showing an immediate release in the first 30 min. The membranes exhibited hemotoxicity below the limit established by ASTM F756–08. In addition, the disk diffusion tests showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa strains, indicating that these membranes are promising for use in wound dressings with anti-infective biological activity.

The Combination of Polyphenol and G-90 Glyco Lipoprotein in Pheretima Aspergilum as a Promising Modality in Accelerating Cancer Wound Healing

Cancer-related wounds are still one of the healing challenges that are still faced by various health practitioners, where these wounds are often unsightly and associated with foul odor, drainage, and bleeding. Wounds caused by malignant tumors have a wide range of symptoms and severity, thus there is no treatment that has been demonstrated to be able to relieve them effectively. The use of wound dressings, which have antibacterial advantages and are helpful for treating wound infections as well as preventing wound contamination, is one method of wound care. Natural substances known as polyphenols, which are often created by plants, have potential antibacterial and antioxidant properties. G-90 is a mixed macromolecular substance with glyco-lipoprotein properties that aids in tissue regeneration in vivo, particularly when it comes to wound healing. Plenty of flavonoids are present in the polyphenolic chemicals produced by necklace worms (Pheretima aspergillum). Flavonoids contribute to the formation of cross-links with collagen, which can have the impact of accelerating wound healing and the decline in inflammatory cells like macrophages. In this situation, Pheretima aspergillum, which has G-90 glyco-lipoproteins and polyphenols, may be useful for healing malignant wounds.

Comparison of Simple Penile Dressings following Hypospadias Repair: does it really matter?

Background: Hypospadias repair requires an appropriate wound dressing to prevent complications, but there is a lack of studies comparing the efficacy of different dressings. Aim: To compare the clinical outcomes of occlusive hydrocolloid dressing and petroleum-impregnated gauze with zinc oxide adhesive plaster, and recommend an appropriate dressing based on efficacy, availability, and cost-effectiveness. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on paediatric patients who had undergone hypospadias repair between August 2017 and November 2020 at Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. All the patients receiving one of the two wound dressings, occlusive hydrocolloid dressing (group A) or petroleum-impregnated gauze with zinc oxide adhesive plaster (group B) during primary or secondary hypospadias repair, operated by the same paediatric surgeon were included in this study. Patients with missing data were excluded. There was only one patient lost to follow up in this study. Results: A total of 64 male hypospadias patients with a mean age of 6.0 ± 3.4 years were included in this study. Group A patients (n=37) received a thick 10 x 10 cm occlusive hydrocolloid dressing whereas, in Group B patients (n=27), a 2.5 x 10 cm petroleum-impregnated gauze with zinc oxide adhesive plaster was applied over the wound. In group A, five patients (13.5%) suffered post-operative fistula and wound dehiscence. Whereas, in group B, the post-operative fistula was seen in three patients (11.1%). This study provides evidence-based information to clinicians and healthcare providers regarding the use of wound dressings for hypospadias repair. By demonstrating the efficacy of a cheaper and more accessible dressing, this study could help improve access to care and reduce costs for patients, especially in resource-limited settings. Conclusion: Occlusive hydrocolloid dressing and petroleum-impregnated gauze are equally effective in the healing of hypospadias repair wounds. The simpler and cheaper petroleum-impregnated gauze may be preferable in resource-limited settings. Keywords: Hydrocolloid dressing; Petroleum impregnated gauze; Paraffin gauze; Hypospadias

A study on the material properties of novel PEGDA/gelatin hybrid hydrogels polymerized by electron beam irradiation.

Gelatin-based hydrogels are highly desirable biomaterials for use in wound dressing, drug delivery, and extracellular matrix components due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, insufficient and uncontrollable mechanical properties and degradation are the major obstacles to their application in medical materials. Herein, we present a simple but efficient strategy for a novel hydrogel by incorporating the synthetic hydrogel monomer polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA, offering high mechanical stability) into a biological hydrogel compound (gelatin) to provide stable mechanical properties and biocompatibility at the resulting hybrid hydrogel. In the present work, PEGDA/gelatin hybrid hydrogels were prepared by electron irradiation as a reagent-free crosslinking technology and without using chemical crosslinkers, which carry the risk of releasing toxic byproducts into the material. The viscoelasticity, swelling behavior, thermal stability, and molecular structure of synthesized hybrid hydrogels of different compound ratios and irradiation doses were investigated. Compared with the pure gelatin hydrogel, 21/9wt./wt. % PEGDA/gelatin hydrogels at 6kGy exhibited approximately up to 1078% higher storage modulus than a pure gelatin hydrogel, and furthermore, it turned out that the mechanical stability increased with increasing irradiation dose. The chemical structure of the hybrid hydrogels was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and it was confirmed that both compounds, PEGDA and gelatin, were equally present. Scanning electron microscopy images of the samples showed fracture patterns that confirmed the findings of viscoelasticity increasing with gelatin concentration. Infrared microspectroscopy images showed that gelatin and PEGDA polymer fractions were homogeneously mixed and a uniform hybrid material was obtained after electron beam synthesis. In short, this study demonstrates that both the presence of PEGDA improved the material properties of PEGDA/gelatin hybrid hydrogels and the resulting properties are fine-tuned by varying the irradiation dose and PEGDA/gelatin concentration.