Three-dimensional printed gelatin methacrylate bioscaffolds containing alkannin/shikonin derivatives for skin wound healing applications

Patients suffering from chronic wounds are facing prolonged treatments and major complications, ranging from major bacterial infections to severe disabilities [1]. Wound treatment primarily aims at promoting healing and restoration of the damaged tissue. Wound dressings are often used to cover the wound, protect it from external pathogens and preserve moisture. While traditional dressings, such as gauges and bandages provide protection, they do not actively contribute to the healing process. In contrast, advanced dressings play a pivotal role in the healing process, either by utilising bioactive materials and/or by acting as carriers for drug molecules. Three-dimensional (3D) printing can be used to provide sophisticated and engineered wound dressings, with precise geometry and porosity, enabling them to resemble the physiology and anatomy of the damaged tissue, and thus serve as supportive scaffolds for cells [2].

The aim of the present study was to fabricate 3D-printed biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel scaffolds loaded with the well-established wound healing agents, alkannins/shikonins (A/S), for wound healing applications. In this respect, we have successfully synthesised and fabricated 3D-printed gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel scaffolds with a mixture of alkannins/shikonins. A/S are naturally-occurring molecules, capable of modulating both the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound healing, as well as exhibiting strong antimicrobial and regenerative properties [3]. The produced scaffolds were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical characteristics, drug entrapment efficiency and release kinetics. Additionally, A/S loaded 3D-printed hydrogels were seeded with dermal fibroblasts, and their biocompatibility and ability to induce cell proliferation and new extracellular matrix formation was assessed.

 

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• References

• 1 Lazarus GS, Cooper DM, Knighton DR, Margolis DJ, Percoraro RE, Rodeheaver G, Robson MC.. Definitions and guidelines for assessment of wounds and evaluation of healing. Wound Repair Regen 1994; 2: 165-170
• 2 Tottoli EM, Dorati R, Genta I, Chiesa E, Pisani S, Conti B.. Skin wound healing process and new emerging technologies for skin wound care and regeneration. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12: 1-30
• 3 Papageorgiou VP, Assimopoulou AN, Ballis AC.. Alkannins and shikonins: a new class of wound healing agents. Curr Med Chem 2008; 15: 3248-3267

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023