Functional regeneration of complex ballistic trauma via herbal extract and antibiotic loaded multilayered nanofibrous hydrogel scaffold.

Ballistic wounds, resulting from firearm-related trauma, are complex injuries, characterized by severe tissue destruction, cavitation and a significant risk of infection. In addition, localized burning due to high temperature and chemical toxication from combustion byproducts further aggravate tissue damage, making regeneration and recovery particularly challenging. Current emergency treatments, such as, pressure bandages, tourniquets and hemostatic agents, while effective, have practical limitations and do not directly promote tissue regeneration. In this study, a trilayered nanofibrous-hydrogel scaffold was developed incorporating Aloe vera extract and broad-spectrum antibiotics (gentamicin sulphate and vancomycin), to promote improved healing of gunshot wounds. The scaffold architecture mimicked the native skin layers, with electrospun polycaprolactone/collagen peptide nanofibers constituting the upper layers for mechanical support and drug delivery, while a shape-adaptive PEG-collagen-gelatin hydrogel served as the hypodermal analogue. A novel rat model was employed to replicate both the physical and chemical aspects of ballistic trauma, using a deep cavity burn and residues remaining after firearm discharge, thereby simulating explosive contamination, all without the use of live ammunition. The scaffold was thoroughly evaluated for its physicochemical and mechanical properties, which were found to closely match those of native skin layers, and exhibited excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. In vivo studies further demonstrated accelerated wound closure, effective infection management, and improved skin regeneration. This biomimetic scaffold offers a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of complex firearm injuries.