Ishophloroglucin A-based multifunctional oxidized alginate/gelatin hydrogel for accelerating wound healing

This study investigated the potential applicability of wound dressing hydrogels for tissue engineering, focusing on their ability to deliver pharmacological agents and absorb exudates. Specifically, we explored the use of polyphenols, as they have shown promise as bioactive and cross-linking agents in hydrogel fabrication. Ishophloroglucin A (IPA), a polyphenol not previously utilized in tissue engineering, was incorporated as both a drug and cross-linking agent within the hydrogel. We integrated the extracted IPA, obtained through the utilization of separation and purification techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) into oxidized alginate (OA) and gelatin (GEL) hydrogels. Our findings revealed that the mechanical properties, thermal stability, swelling, and degradation of the multifunctional hydrogel can be modulated via intermolecular interactions between the natural polymer and IPA. Moreover, the controlled release of IPA endows the hydrogel with antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics. Overall, the wound healing efficacy, based on intermolecular interactions and drug potency, has been substantiated through accelerated wound closure and collagen deposition in an ICR mouse full-thickness wound model. These results suggest that incorporating IPA into natural polymers as both a drug and cross-linking agent has significant implications for tissue engineering applications.