Preparation and evaluation of self-healing bioadhesive hydrogel wound dressing based on alginate-gelatin containing zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanostructures for wound healing acceleration

Abstract

Recently, the emergence of multifunctional wound dressings for cutaneous skin tissue injuries represents a paradigm shift in wound care and management, offering advanced solutions that transcend traditional wound protection. This study, inspired by recent advances in nanoreinforcement and mussel-inspired chemistry, developed an innovative self-healing bioadhesive hydrogel. This hydrogel is formulated from Dopamine-grafted oxidized sodium alginate and gelatin (PDA-OSA/Gel), integrated with varying concentrations of Myrtus communis L. extract (MC) encapsulated in ZIF-8 nanoparticles (MC@ZIF-8/PDA-OSA/Gel), and achieved through dual cross-linking. The resulting double-network (DN) hydrogel was thoroughly analyzed for its morphological, thermal durability, mechanical, and biodegradation properties. The optimized hydrogel demonstrated suitable physicochemical characteristics, excellent self-healing ability, and high adhesion properties. In vitro analyses confirmed its excellent cytocompatibility and cell adhesion in cultured fibroblast cells. Additionally, the incorporation of MC@ZIF-8 NPs into the hydrogel enhanced its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. In vivo results showed that applying the developed MC@ZIF-8-loaded PDAOSA/Gel hydrogel to injury sites significantly accelerated the healing process in a mouse model of cutaneous wound injury. This was achieved by increasing cutaneous tissue thickness and promoting proper collagen deposition. Furthermore, the local increase of CD31+ cells and COL1A+ strands indicated enhanced vascularization and fibroblast proliferation compared to other groups (p<0.05). In general, these results revealed that the MC@ZIF-8-loaded PDAOSA/Gel hydrogel holds significant potential for managing and treating skin wounds by promoting angiogenesis, deposition of normal collagen, and controlling wound infections.