Design and Development of a Novel Multiple-Network Hydrogel Composed of Polyacrylamide, Gelatin, and Alginate as a Wound Dressing

In this study, multiple-network hydrogels of polyacrylamide/gelatin/alginate were synthesized by photopolymerization method. In the study, the effect of the concentration of N,Nʹ-Methylenebisacrylamide, as a crosslinking agent, on hydrogels for use as wound dressings was investigated. For improving antibacterial, and wound-healing properties, salicylic acid was incorporated into the hydrogels. Results of this study showed that the novel multiple-network hydrogels exhibited adjustable mechanical properties, and desirable swelling capacities, making them good choices for wound dressing applications. Furthermore, the optimized formulation of the novel hydrogel, prepared with 0.025 gr of the crosslinking agent, revealed prominent characteristics including 2.93 ± 0.13 µm average pore size, 168.514% swelling percentage, 165 kPa tensile strength, 208 kPa Young’s modulus, and prolonged salicylic acid release. Finally, an antibacterial assay and cell scratch test of the optimized hydrogel showed a significant reduction in bacterial growth and complete closure of the wound within 24 h.