Multifunctional hydrogel–acellular dermal matrix composite patch: an anticalcification barrier with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for abdominal wall repair

Abstract

Calcification, infection, and inflammation are common complications associated with the in vivo application of biological patches. Porcine acellular dermal matrix (pADM), composed mainly of collagen with excellent bioactivity, is widely utilized as a substrate for such patches. However, integrating multiple therapeutic functions into pADM remains a significant challenge. To overcome this limitation, a hydrogel-encapsulated pADM patch (H-Cur-pADM) was developed, aiming to provide barrier protection and multifunctional enhancement. This design involves the in situ formation of a curcumin-loaded hydrogel (GelMA-DTT-Cur) on the surface of pADM via a thiol–ene click reaction. The resulting hybrid not only reinforces the anticalcification capacity of the patch but also imparts anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties. By combining the mechanical support of pADM with the functional versatility of the hydrogel, this innovative approach enhances the overall performance of the biological patch. The GelMA-DTT-Cur hydrogel layer demonstrated robust structural integrity, interconnected porosity, and sustained release of curcumin micelles following a Fickian diffusion mechanism. In vitro, the hydrogel-encapsulated pADM displayed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, good cytocompatibility, and pronounced anticalcification properties. In vivo studies showed that calcium deposition in the H-Cur-pADM group was only 5.2% of that observed in glutaraldehyde-cross-linked pADM after 21 days of implantation. The H-Cur-pADM patch also displayed strong anti-inflammatory effects and effectively promoted healing in an abdominal wall defect model. This work presents a novel strategy for improving the therapeutic performance of biological patches by integrating drug-loaded hydrogel encapsulation with pADM, offering promising potential for clinical applications in abdominal wall repair.

Graphical Abstract