Nanocomposite conductive r(GO/BSA) hydrogel as an effective dressing for rapid chronic diabetic wound healing

Abstract

Conductive hydrogels, with their soft, hydrated interface and superior electrical conductivity, represent a groundbreaking solution for diabetic wound healing. However, developing a conductive hydrogel with excellent biocompatibility has proven to be challenging. This study presents the synthesis of a novel conductive hydrogel composed of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein and graphene oxide (GO) for the treatment of diabetic wounds. The prepared hydrogel is mildly reduced by ascorbic acid to facilitate charge-transfer and enhance its conductivity. Hydrogel is optimized for enhanced mechanical and electrical properties by changing the concentration of GO within the BSA matrix. The nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrates superior antibacterial properties and enhanced biocompatibility compared to the BSA hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel is investigated for wound healing capacity in a rat model, where it demonstrates rapid healing of chronic diabetic wound. The improved therapeutic outcomes are attributed to the hydrogel's ability to facilitate cellular activities through enhanced electrical conductivity by maintaining continuous electrical signal at the wound site. The presented findings suggest that nanocomposite protein-based conductive hydrogel not only hold great potential for advanced diabetic wound care and have potential for future innovation in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and beyond. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.