Role of Graphene Oxide in Bacterial Cellulose−Gelatin Hydrogels for Wound Dressing Applications

Abstract

Biopolymer-based hydrogels have several advantages, including robust mechanical, high biocompatibility, and excellent properties. These hydrogels can be ideal wound dressing materials and advantageous to repair and regenerate skin wounds. In this work, we have reported fabricated of composite hydrogels from gelatin and graphene oxide-functionalized-bacterial cellulose (synthesized by hydrothermal method) (GO-f-BC) and crosslinked with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The hydrogels were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact angle analyses to explore functional groups and their interactions, surface morphology, and wetting behavior, respectively. The swelling, biodegradation, and water retention were tested to respond to biofluid. Maximum swelling was exhibited by samle with maximum amount of GO (GBG-4) in all media (aqueous = 1902.83%, PBS = 1546.63%, and electrolyte = 1367.32%). The hemolysis of all hydrogel samples is less than 0.5%, and the blood coagulation time decreased as the hydrogel concentration increased. The composite hydrogels were found to be hemocompatible as they have less than 0.5% hemolysis for all hydrogel samples under in vitro standard conditions. These hydrogels performed unusual antimicrobial activities against Gram (positive and negative) bacterial strains. The cell viability and proliferation were increased with an increased GO amount, and maximum values were found for GBG-4 against fibroblast (3T3) cell lines. The mature and well-adhered cell morphology of 3T3 cells was found against all hydrogel samples. Hence, based on these results findings, these hydrogels would be potential wound dressing skin materials for wound healing applications.