Development of an All-Marine 3D Printed Bioactive Hydrogel Dressing for Treatment of Hard-to-Heal Wounds

Current standard wound care involves dressings that provide moisture and protection; however, dressings providing active healing are still scarce and expensive. We aimed to develop an ecologically sustainable 3D printed bioactive hydrogel-based topical wound dressing targeting healing of hard-to-heal wounds, such as chronic or burn wounds, which are low on exudate. To this end, we developed a formulation composed of renewable marine components; purified extract from unfertilized salmon roe (heat-treated X, HTX), alginate from brown seaweed, and nanocellulose from tunicates. HTX is believed to facilitate the wound healing process. The components were successfully formulated into a 3D printable ink that was used to create a hydrogel lattice structure. The 3D printed hydrogel showed a HTX release profile enhancing pro-collagen I alpha 1 production in cell culture with potential of promoting wound closure rates. The dressing has recently been tested on burn wounds in Gottingen minipigs and shows accelerated wound closure and reduced inflammation. This paper describes the dressings development, mechanical properties, bioactivity, and safety.

Automated summary

Current standard wound care lacks dressings that actively promote healing and is costly. In this study, we developed an environmentally friendly 3D printed bioactive hydrogel-based wound dressing suitable for hard-to-heal wounds. The dressing, composed of renewable marine components including heat-treated salmon roe extract, alginate, and nanocellulose, showed enhanced wound healing properties. The dressing was successfully tested on burn wounds and demonstrated accelerated wound closure and reduced inflammation.