Antiadhesive Hyaluronic Acid-Based Wound Dressings Promote Wound Healing by Preventing Re-Injury: An In Vivo Investigation

Abstract

Wound dressings are widely used to protect wounds and promote healing. The water absorption and antifriction properties of dressings are important for regulating the moisture balance and reducing secondary damages during dressing changes. Herein, we developed a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based foam dressing prepared via the lyophilization of photocrosslinked HA hydrogels with high water absorption and antiadhesion properties. To fabricate the HA-based foam dressing (HA foam), the hydroxyl groups of the HA were modified with methacrylate groups, enabling rapid photocuring. The resulting photocured HA solution was freeze-dried to form a porous structure, enhancing its exudate absorption capacity. Compared with conventional biopolymer-based foam dressings, this HA foam exhibited superior water absorption and antifriction properties. To assess the wound-healing potential of HA foam, animal experiments involving SD rats were conducted. Full-thickness defects measuring 2 × 2 cm2 were created on the skin of 36 rats, divided into four groups with 9 individuals each. The groups were treated with gauze, HA foam, CollaDerm®, and CollaHeal® Plus, respectively. The rats were closely monitored for a period of 24 days. In vivo testing demonstrated that the HA foam facilitated wound healing without causing inflammatory reactions and minimized secondary damages during dressing changes. This research presents a promising biocompatible foam wound dressing based on modified HA, which offers enhanced wound-healing capabilities and improved patient comfort and addresses the challenges associated with conventional dressings.

Keywords

• hyaluronic acid
• wound dressing
• foam dressing
• biocompatibility
• re-injury