This study reports the development of a multifunctional injectable hydrogel designed to promote rapid and effective cutaneous wound healing. The hydrogel is based on a dynamic covalent network formed through thiol-aldehyde addition between cysteine-modified poly (γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGASH) and oxidized hyaluronic acid (HA-CHO). This chemistry enables self-healing, adaptability, and injectability—critical features for conformal coverage of irregular or deep wounds. The resulting hydrogel exhibits tunable gelation time, with complete solidification occurring within 10 seconds at physiological conditions, allowing for immediate application and minimal handling time.
Rheological analysis confirmed excellent shear-thinning behavior, enabling smooth delivery via syringe, followed by rapid recovery of mechanical strength.147245-92-9 Synonym The hydrogel displays a stable viscoelastic response with G’ > G” across all tested concentrations, indicating robust network formation. Mechanical properties were enhanced with increasing polymer content, reaching compressive moduli of up to 0.11 MPa, sufficient to withstand physiological stresses in the wound environment. The porous microstructure, revealed by SEM imaging, facilitates nutrient transport and cellular infiltration, supporting tissue regeneration.
In vitro cytotoxicity assays using CCK-8 and live/dead staining demonstrated high biocompatibility, with over 90% viability of fibroblasts even after five days of culture. The hydrogel also exhibited potent antioxidant activity, scavenging more than 86% of DPPH radicals, which helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative damage during wound healing. In vivo evaluation in a full-thickness skin defect model in rats showed significantly accelerated wound contraction, with the 10 wt% hydrogel group achieving nearly 70% closure by day 9—outperforming both commercial Tegaderm™ and lower-concentration formulations.59-67-6 References
Histopathological examination revealed enhanced re-epithelialization, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased deposition of mature collagen fibers in the hydrogel-treated groups.PMID:29939649 Immunostaining confirmed higher expression of α-SMA and CD31, indicating active angiogenesis. The hydrogel was fully degraded within three days, with no signs of chronic inflammation or foreign body reaction. These results collectively demonstrate that this injectable, self-healing hydrogel provides a bioactive, biodegradable, and patient-friendly platform for wound repair, offering substantial advantages over conventional dressings in both functionality and clinical outcome.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
