Gelatin-sodium alginate hydrogel infused with Onosma dichroanthum Boiss. root extract: Preparation, characterization, and application in wound dressing

Abstract

Background

Chronic and acute wounds remain a major clinical challenge, often complicated by infection, delayed healing, and patient morbidity. Hydrogels have emerged as promising wound dressings due to their moist environment maintenance, exudate management, and capacity to deliver bioactive agents. However, many hydrogel systems rely on synthetic components or show limited antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical adaptability to diverse wound types. Natural polymers such as alginate and gelatin offer biocompatibility and tunable properties but frequently require enhancements to achieve optimal elasticity, degradation rates, and biological function. There is a critical need for a biocompatible, mechanically robust, and antimicrobial hydrogel platform that can be easily loaded with plant-derived bioactives to promote rapid and safe wound closure. The focus of this study was to prepare and characterize GEL/SA hydrogels incorporated with O. dichroanthum root extract for wound dressing applications.

Materials and methods

The hydrogel was synthesized using the casting and cross-linking method. Its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties were thoroughly evaluated.

Results

The GEL/SA–O. dichroanthum hydrogel demonstrated strong elasticity and promoted effective biodegradation, while GEL/SA–O. dichroanthum hydrogels exhibited excellent hemocompatibility. Additionally, these hydrogels showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (9 mm) and potent antifungal effects against Candida albicans (10 mm).

Conclusion

This study presents a GEL/SA hydrogel incorporated with Onosma dichroanthum root extract, achieving a unique combination of features: A dual-polymer natural matrix (gelatin-alginate) with tuned cross-linking that yields high mechanical stability while exhibiting controlled relaxation and enhanced elasticity after extract incorporation. Integration of O. dichroanthum root extract as a bioactive wound-healing constituent, delivering both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects directly at the wound site. Demonstration of improved biodegradation kinetics and excellent hemocompatibility without compromising structural integrity or biocompatibility. Demonstration of significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and potent antifungal effects against Candida albicans, addressing common wound-infection challenges. A scalable, casting-and-crosslinking fabrication approach compatible with clinical translation and potential for combination with additional therapeutic agents.