Particulate 3D Hydrogels of Silk Fibroin-Pluronic to Deliver Curcumin for Infection-Free Wound Healing

The study developed a hydrogel composed of silk fibroin, pluronic F127, and curcumin to enhance wound healing by mimicking the skin's hierarchical structure and providing antibacterial properties. The inclusion of curcumin influenced the hydrogel's particle size, crystallinity, and elongation, while in vitro assays demonstrated its non-cytotoxic nature and significant bactericidal effect against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Pluronic alone achieved over 99% reduction in bacteria, and curcumin further inhibited bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The hydrogel shows promise for use in skin tissue regeneration.