The gelatin sponge loaded with curcumin coating exhibits a synergistic effect of hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, and anti-scarring

Postoperative wound healing has been extensively studied and well-documented. Gelatin sponges are commonly used in surgeries for blood absorption. If these sponges can also release drugs with anti-scarring and anti-inflammatory effects, they would significantly enhance wound healing. In this study, we investigated for the first time the application of curcumin films on the surface of gelatin sponges with high hemostatic efficiency using the Electron Beam Deposition (EBD) method. The structure of curcumin was analyzed using ¹H NMR, FT-IR and XPS techniques. We examined the influence of the film on the sponge's absorption capacity and the impact of the sponge on drug release kinetics. Results showed that the presence of the curcumin film did not compromise the sponge's hemostatic ability. Additionally, compared to a flat substrate, the curcumin film on this highly porous substrate facilitated better curcumin release. Further experiments, including cytotoxicity tests, live/dead double staining, western blotting, and a scar model in mice, demonstrated that gelatin sponges with curcumin films exhibit a synergistic effect, combining anti-scarring, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties.