Preparation and Characterization of Gelatin-Based Hydrogel Cross-Linked by Transglutaminase As a Wound Dressing Publisher



Seyed Jafari SM^{1, 2} ; Nilforoushzadeh MA^{1, 3} ; Zare S^{1, 4, 5} ; Jalili S²
Source: Iranian Journal of Dermatology Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Gelatin, a crucial component of the native extracellular matrix, serves as an excellent source for wound healing products due to its favorable biocompatibility. The present study aimed to evaluate the characterization of a gelatin-based hydrogel utilizing transglutaminase as the cross-linking catalyst. Methods: The physicochemical properties of the hydrogel were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical strength and water absorption capacity of the naturally synthesized hydrogel were studied. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the hydrogel on Wharton’s jelly cells was evaluated using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Results: Based on the XRD results, significant changes were observed in the broad peak at 2θ = 5º for the hydrogel with a 10% concentration. The average contact angles for the hydrogels with 7% and 10% concentrations were 85.67 ± 3.16 and 88.27 ± 2.05, respectively. No cytotoxicity effect on cell proliferation was observed for the gelatin-transglutaminase hydrogel. Furthermore, more than 90% cell viability was recorded for the gelatin at a concentrations of 10%. Conclusion: The gelatin-transglutaminase hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for wound healing products. ©Iranian Journal of Dermatology.