Hydrogels are widely used in skin ailments and tissue engineering due to their ability to retain water, deliver drugs into wounds, and biodegrade. However, they are difficult to manufacture and not very resilient to external forces. They also do not inherently fight bacterial infections, so they are often infused with antimicrobial drugs or metal ions, which can cause antibiotic resistance and negative effects on cell growth. Researchers have developed a new hydrogel that is easier to make, has natural antibiotic properties, and promotes cell growth.
By adding polylysine and platelet-rich blood plasma to the common hydrogel Gel-MA, researchers have created a hydrogel that is well-suited for wound care. The new hydrogel is stronger, expands in the wound, lasts longer, kills bacteria, and creates a healthy environment for new cells to grow. The continuous release of polylysine on the wound surface inhibits bacterial growth without affecting cell proliferation and development. The hydrogel was tested on E. coli and S. aureus, damaging bacteria cell membranes and leading to bacterial cell death, while also promoting the growth of healthy cells.
The inclusion of platelet-rich blood plasma in the hydrogel resulted in the release of growth factors and an increase in viable cells. By mixing polylysine and platelet-rich plasma solutions, researchers were able to create a hydrogel that can be cured under a UV lamp for 30 seconds instead of undergoing repeated freezing and thawing for hours. This new hydrogel has the potential to provide better treatments for patients with chronically infected wounds, particularly those with metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Overall, the new hydrogel developed by researchers shows promise in treating skin wounds that are difficult to heal, especially in patients with underlying metabolic diseases. By combining polylysine and platelet-rich blood plasma with the Gel-MA hydrogel, the researchers have created a solution that is stronger, more effective at killing bacteria, and promotes the growth of healthy cells. This innovative approach to wound care could offer a new and improved treatment option for patients with chronic infections and underlying health conditions.
