Bioactive wound dressing based on decellularized tendon and GelMA with incorporation of PDA-loaded asiaticoside nanoparticles for scarless wound healing

In this study, bioactive composite hydrogels were created using the decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM), GelMA, and Polydopamine-loaded Asiaticoside (AC@PDA) nanoparticles for use as wound dressings that could promote healing. A decellularization method was used to obtain ECM from porcine Achilles tendon tissue. AC@PDA nanoparticles were then synthesized and found to have a uniform spherical structure with good cytocompatibility, particularly when compared to PDA nanoparticles alone. The mechanical properties of the bioactive composite hydrogels showed good elasticity and shape recovery after compression, with a slight decrease in compressive strength due to the addition of nanoparticles. The formation of interpenetrating net-works through the use of EDC/NHS was also found to improve the mechanical properties and moisture retention of the hydrogels. The PDA/ECM-G and AC@PDA/ECM-G hydrogels showed higher water absorption capacity and similar moist retention capacity to the ECM-G hydrogel. The microstructure of the hydrogels was observed through SEM, with the ECM-G hydrogel showing a dense and compact structure, while the PDA/ECM-G and AC@PDA/ECM-G hydrogels displayed a more porous and interconnected structure due to the presence of nanoparticles. In vitro cytotoxicity tests on human skin fibroblasts showed good biocompatibility for all hydrogels. The in vivo wound healing performance of the hydrogels was also tested on a full-thickness excisional wound model in mice, with the AC@PDA/ECM-G hydrogel showing the fastest wound closure without scarring and the highest-formed hair follicles. The AC@PDA/ECM-G hydrogel had the best performance in promoting wound healing. These results suggest that the bioactive hydrogel has the potential for use as a wound dressing.