Modulation of Wound Microenvironment via Hydrogel Patch for Potential Application in Wound Management

Abstract

Wound repair is a time taking process and the demands of perfect regeneration are never quite met. Many resistant bacterial species can cause infection through wounds. Severe infections can lead to anything from tissue morbidity to sepsis. Perfect wound regeneration demands that the local and systemic environment of the wound be optimized. We synthesized Chitosan-Gelatin based hydrogels with varying compositions and investigated their wound healing potential. Hydrogel variants were of two categories, Acetic Acid Variants and Polymer Ratio Variants. It was observed that with an increase in Acetic Acid, gelation time, free swell absorptive capacity, antimicrobial effects and pore sizes increased significantly. However, with an increase in Chitosan amount, gelation times and pore sizes decreased significantly whereas free swell absorptive capacity and antimicrobial effects decreased only on a minute scale. Scaffolds were shortlisted on their properties observed and were subject to degradation under PBS and 2% Ascorbic Acid. It was observed that by tweaking the Acetic Acid and Chitosan content the degradation rate could be tailored. Similarly, Ascorbic Acid was also found to increase the degradation rate to a great extent.