Bi-layered photocrosslinkable chitosan-curcumin hydrogel/soy protein nanofibrous mat skin substitute

This study examines the efficacy of a two-layer skin replacement composed of a visible-light photocrosslinkable chitosan hydrogel, either unmodified or incorporating curcumin, and overlaid with soy protein isolate (SPI) nanofibers. In order to achieve this objective, the synthesis of methacrylated chitosan was conducted, followed by the electrospinning of a nanofibrous mat using SPI. The resulting structures were then subjected to characterization using established engineering analyses. Following the utilization of the Taguchi method in experimental design, the optimal quantities of curcumin and riboflavin as a photo-initiator, as well as the curing time, were determined. Subsequently, an optimal hydrogel based on methacrylated chitosan was prepared, and the release rates of curcumin and riboflavin were measured over a specified duration. In order to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the formulated constructs, four distinct experimental groups were included in the study. These groups consisted of an untreated control group, a group treated with hydrogel alone, a group treated with curcumin-loaded hydrogels, and a group treated with hydrogels coated with SPI electrospun mat. The wound healing potential was assessed through the examination of different histomorphometric parameters at two time points: 10 and 20 days following the surgical procedure. Following a period of 20 days, it was observed that all three treatment groups exhibited the capacity to effectively achieve wound closure, generate a fresh epithelial layer, attract fibroblast cells to the site of injury, and impede the infiltration of inflammatory cells. The success of these outcomes varied depending on the regenerative capabilities inherent to each treatment group. Nevertheless, it has been observed that groups treated with curcumin-loaded and SPI nanofibrous mat substances exhibit noteworthy efficacy in wound healing. This can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, which aid in reducing inflammation, as well as the epidermal formation facilitated by SPI. The concurrent application of curcumin loading and SPI nanofibrous mat is anticipated to yield notable beneficial alterations in the wound healing process.