Wet-spun bi-component alginate based hydrogel fibers: Development and in-vitro evaluation as a potential moist wound care dressing

In this study, bi-component alginate-hyaluronic acid (AHA) fibers were developed by using two different routes. In the first method, sodium alginate dope solution was extruded into a coagulation bath containing CaCl2 and subsequently dip-coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) whereas, in the second method, hyaluronic acid-containing sodium alginate dope solution was directly extruded into CaCl2 bath. The resulting AHA fibers were then dehydrated in 25-100% v/v acetone solutions and dried in air. The fibers were characterized by surface-morphology, physicochemical analysis, mechanical performance, swelling percentage, and total liquid absorption (g/g), cell viability, and release behavior. The results showed that AHA fibers produced by the second method have better mechanical performance, high liquid absorption, and swelling percentage with a more controlled release of hyaluronic acid. The AHA fibers showed high biocompatibility toward nHDF cell line in in-vitro testing, and the MVTR values (650-800 g/m(2)/day) are in a suitable range for maintaining a moist wound surface proving to be appropriate for promoting wound healing. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study developed bi-component alginate-hyaluronic acid (AHA) fibers with improved mechanical performance and high liquid absorption. The controlled release of hyaluronic acid, high biocompatibility towards cell lines, and suitable MVTR values make the fibers appropriate for promoting wound healing.