Low-adhesion and low-swelling hydrogel based on alginate and carbonated water to prevent temporary dilation of wound sites

Hydrogel-based wound dressings have been developed for rapid wound healing; however, their adhesive properties have not been adequately investigated. Excessive adhesion to the skin causes wound expansion and pain when hydrogels absorb exudates and swell at wound sites. Herein, we develop a low-adhesion and low-swelling hydrogel dressing using alginate, which is non-adhesive to cells and skin tissue, CaCO3, and carbonated water. The alginate/CaCO3 solution rapidly forms a hydrogel upon the addition of carbonated water, and the CO2 in the hydrogel diffuses into the atmosphere, preventing acidification and obtaining a pH value suitable for wound healing. Remarkably, the skin adhesion and swelling of the hydrogels were 11.9- to 16.5-fold and 1.9-fold lower, respectively, than those of clinical low-adhesion hydrogel dressings. In vivo wound-healing tests in mice demonstrated their therapeutic efficacy, and the prepared hydrogel prevented temporary wound dilation during early healing. These results illustrate the importance of controlling skin adhesion and swelling in wound dressings and demonstrate the potential clinical applications of this wound-friendly hydrogel dressing.