Hyaluronate and Gelatin-Based Hydrogels Encapsulating Doxycycline as a Wound Dressing for Burn Injury Therapy

The study developed a bioadhesive, injectable hydrogel dressing made from hyaluronate and gelatin, crosslinked by dynamic boronate ester bonds, and encapsulating the antibiotic doxycycline (Doxy) for burn injury therapy. This hydrogel (HG/Doxy) demonstrated biocompatibility and antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In a rat model, the HG/Doxy hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing within 10-14 days by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen deposition, blood vessel regeneration, and hair follicle formation. These findings suggest that HG/Doxy hydrogels have high potential for clinical applications in burn wound treatment.