Engineering Platelet-Rich Plasma Based Dual-Network Hydrogel as a Bioactive Wound Dressing with Potential Clinical Translational Value

Delayed wound healing has a profound impact on patients, healthcare, and society. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel, as a preparation for regenerative medicine, has proven to be of clinical value in various wound treatments. Nevertheless, its weak mechanical properties and consequent burst release effect have restricted its application and efficacy. Here, an engineered PRP dual-network hydrogel (named DN gel) based on sodium alginate is constructed through a simple one-step activation process. Its improved gelling property and sustained release of growth factors may be beneficial for clinical use. Evaluations in rats indicate that DN gel promote wound healing in terms of rapid re-epithelialization, up-regulated growth factor levels and early transitions in the wound healing and angiogenesis stages. As a proof of concept, DN gel also exhibits superior healing efficiency in a porcine wound model. These results demonstrate the great potential of transforming this hydrogel into the next generation of PRP-based bioactive wound dressing.

Automated summary

The study developed an engineered PRP dual-network hydrogel (DN gel) based on sodium alginate, which has improved gelling property and sustained release of growth factors, showing great potential for the next generation of PRP-based bioactive wound dressings.