3D Bi-layered hydrogel and nanofiber multifunctional sponge dressing: an efficacious healing agent for chronic and deep open wounds

Chronic wound management using biomaterials-based dressings have made a significant impact on improving the standard and efficiency of wound healing. However, various available wound healing aids are ineffective in treating deep open injuries and chronic wounds like diabetic wounds. This study developed a 3D bi-layered hydrogel and nanofiber multifunctional sponge, which addresses the structural and functional issues faced by biomaterial dressings in treating deep and chronic wounds. The layered sponge consists of a hydrogel base functionalised with wound healing peptide carrying nanoparticles and topped with nanofiber layer functionalised with antimicrobial peptide. The 3D bi-layered sponge with its highly porous, elastic and enhanced fluid absorption ability makes it a suitable wound treatment aid. The developed multifunctional 3D-sponge shows antibacterial action and promotes a micro-environment similar to the Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) in regulating dermal cell survival and migration. Study in full-thickness skin defect diabetic mouse model has shown that developed 3D bi-layered sponge accelerates wound closure and promotes functional skin regeneration. Enhanced diabetic wound healing through reduced inflammation, faster granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialisation, neo-vascularisation, and skin appendage restoration make this 3D bi-layered multifunctional sponge an efficient and advanced chronic wound management aid with potential for future clinical application.