Enhancing Wound Healing with a Novel Alginate/Eggshell Membrane-Based Hydrogel Enriched with Red Ginseng Roots and Centella Asiatica.

BACKGROUND

Bridging ancient herbal wisdom with modern biomaterial innovation, this study pioneers a smart hydrogel infused with Red Ginseng (RG) (angiogenesis-boosting ginsenosides) and Centella asiatica (collagen-stimulating asiaticoside), synergized with alginate and upcycled eggshell membrane for unrivaled wound adhesion and eco-conscious design. Unlike conventional hydrogels, this bioactive synergy accelerates tissue regeneration while fighting antibiotic-resistant infections, thus opening up a new era of wound care inspired by nature.

METHODS & MATERIALS: Initially, seven distinct hydrogel formulations were generated by blending sodium alginate and eggshell membrane with RG roots and centella asiatica at optimal concentrations. Subsequently, the hydrogels' structural characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Following structural validation, the study comprehensively evaluated the physical attributes of the hydrogels, encompassing swelling behavior, stability, weight loss, porosity, and antibacterial properties. Biocompatibility of the prepared hydrogels was assessed through hemolytic activity and cell viability analyses. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of the hydrogels was examined using a rat model, encompassing RNA expression and histological assessments to elucidate their potential wound-healing attributes.

RESULTS

The developed hydrogel exhibited a porous architecture with interconnected cavities conducive to facilitating cell migration. Additionally, the hydrogels demonstrated antibacterial properties, as confirmed by antibacterial assays. MTT analysis revealed a positive impact on cell proliferation, with no observed cellular toxicity. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the hydrogels outperformed the control group, treated with gauze, in accelerating wound closure. Notably, the alginate/eggshell membrane/RG roots/Centella asiatica group exhibited the highest percentages of wound closure, re-epithelialization, and gene expression.

CONCLUSION

This hydrogel transcends conventional wound care, harnessing RG's angiogenic magic and centella's collagen-boosting power within a sustainable alginate-eggshell matrix to forge a bioactive bridge between lab bench and bedside. Its triple potential (rapid closure, infection defense, and scar suppression) makes it a promising dressing.