Co-extrusion electrospinning as novel tool for the next generation wound dressings: taking ultimate control over the dressing mechanical and release properties.

In the present project, novel hydrogel-based wound dressings will be developed exhibiting antibacterial properties. To date, two critical issues associated with wound dressings are to be tackled: the inferior mechanical properties and the uncontrolled release of bio-active compounds. The starting materials for developing novel wound dressings will include polysaccharides (i.e. alginate and chitosan) for controlling the moisture content of the wound and an acrylate-endcapped urethane-based polymer (AUP) to improve the mechanical properties while controlling the iodine content and subsequent release through complexation. The polysaccharides will be modified with methacrylate moieties to create mechanically robust covalently cross-linked networks. The backbone of the AUP will be varied to introduce pH- and T-responsiveness. These ‘smart’ polymers will aid in the complexation and controlled release of iodine. The combinatory constructs of AUP and polysaccharides will be processed into wound dressings using co-extrusion electrospinning. The obtained polymers and scaffolds will be subjected to  an in-depth characterization using state of the art devices. The in vitro biocompatibility will be investigated using cell viability assays. We anticipate that these novel ‘smart’ electrospun hydrogels will give rise to unprecedented opportunities in the field of wound healing.