Development of Sprayable Gelatin Hydrogel Wound Dressings Using Enzymatic Crosslinking Reaction

The gelatin hydrogel modified with tyramine (Gel-Tyr) was prepared an enzymatic crosslinking reaction to develop a sprayable wound dressing that is easy to use and hygienic on broad and complicate wound area with bio-compatibility, wound healing ability, and comfortable wearing. The substitution rate of Gel-Tyr was calculated through ¹H NMR. And the gelation time according to the concentration of gelatin, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and H₂O₂, rheological properties, swelling ratio, biodegradation behavior, in vitro cytotoxicity, cell viability was evaluated. The hydrogel with rapid gelation rate and optimum performance as a wound dressing was selected as a sample prepared with a compound concentration of Gel-Tyr 3 wt%, HRP 3.50 units/mL, and H₂O₂ 0.2 μL/mL. In the in vivo full-thickness wound model animal experiment and histological evaluation, the Gel-Tyr hydrogel showed an accelerated wound healing rate and dermal regeneration compared to the control group. It is expected to be used as a sprayable wound dressing in medical treatment, conveniently.