Abstract

Protein-based wound dressings have emerged as a topic of interest in chronic wound healing owing to their distinct physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Growth factor proteins, such as platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), play a pivotal role in wound healing by mediating angiogenic responses and promoting the formation of new blood vessels, thereby accelerating recovery. However, protein delivery faces several challenges that can be addressed through the bioconjugation of proteins with macromolecules, which enhances their stability, solubility, bioactivity, and half-life. Over the years, various chemical strategies have been developed to conjugate synthetic polymers onto proteins effectively. One such approach is the "grafting to" strategy, which involves the covalent attachment of pre-formed poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to target molecules like proteins or other macromolecules. This method improves the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of the target molecules.
Various formulations including foams, fibers, and hydrogel films have been explored for safe delivery of proteins and protein bioconjugates. Among these, polymeric hydrogel films have gained significant attention due to their non-cytotoxic nature, versatility, biocompatibility, and ability to provide a moist environment conducive to healing.
My MSc research project focuses on developing hydrogel films crosslinked with boronic ester bonds that encapsulate PEG-VEGF165 bioconjugates to promote the healing process in chronic wounds. The bioconjugates were characterized using techniques such as gel electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering. Additionally, hydrogel films were fabricated with biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) crosslinked with tetrahydroxydiboronic (THDB), a diboronic acid crosslinker, ensuring dimensional stability and effective encapsulation of the bioconjugates. These hydrogels degraded in response to acidic and alkali pHs, hydrogen peroxide, and glucose, which could be found in wounds, leading to enhanced release of encapsulated PEG-VEGF bioconjugates.
These results, combined with antimicrobial properties, suggest that the developed THDB-PVA/bioconjugate crosslinked films possess great potential for designing dermal wound healing systems.