MXenes-loaded gelatin hydrogels as wound dressings.

Abstract

Background: In the present study, we fabricated a multifunctional hydrogel nanocomposite for wound healing applications.

Research design and methods: Computational simulations were employed to optimize gelatin and synthesize Ti3AlC2 (104) and clarify gelatin adsorption behavior on Ti3AlC2 (104). The experiments concentrated on the synthesis, characterization, and integration of Mxene into a gelatin hydrogel. The MTT assay, hemolysis assay, and antibacterial assay were performed to assess the in vitro biological activities of the hydrogels, and a full-thickness wound was induced on a rat for the animal experiments.

Results: The chosen composite exhibited a satisfactory docking score, with a binding energy of - 115.408 kcal mol^-1. The results showed that the synthesized MXenes had a zeta potential of + 24.5 ± 3.2 mV and a hydrodynamic size of 2.091 ± 0.32 μm. The hydrogel that was made had a porous structure, was biodegradable, and could soak up much water. The biological test showed the hydrogel was biocompatible, hemocompatible, and antibacterial. The animal trials demonstrated that the MXene-loaded gelatin hydrogel expedited wound healing.

Conclusions: The fabricated gelatin hydrogel loaded with MXenes nanocomposite can be applied to contaminated wounds to eradicate the contamination and accelerate the healing process.