A promising approach for wound treatment is using multilayer wound dressings that offer multifunctional properties. In this study, a bilayered electrospun/hydrogel gelatin-based scaffold integrated with honey and curcumin was developed to treat wounds under an in vivo study. The first layer consisted of an enzymatic cross-linked gelatin hydrogel containing honey and curcumin, which gelatin/PCL nanofibers reinforced. The physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of both layers were evaluated. Then, the bilayered wound dressing was compared to a commercial wound dressing in an in vivo study. The results showed that this strategy provided the wound dressing with a strength of 40 MPa, 70% elongation, 800% swelling rate, and 8 g/h/m2 water vapor permeability. Furthermore, MTT and histopathological staining demonstrated that the bilayered wound dressing promoted wound closure accelerated collagen production and tissue granulation, and promoted immune system response and re-epithelialization compared to other groups. The presence of a nanofibrous layer on the surface of the wound dressing facilitated its use, and the inclusion of honey and gelatin in the hydrogel layer prevented adhesion to the wound tissue and allowed for easy replacement without damaging the wound bed. Overall, the bilayered dressing with multifunctional properties holds great potential for developing wound dressings.
Keywords: PCL; curcumin; gelatin; honey; hydrogel; microbial transglutaminase; nanofiber; wound dressing.