Valorising aquaculture sidestreams into advanced hydrogels for wound dressing applications

Abstract

The extraction and upcycling of bullfrog skin is a promising study, as a novel source of both type A and B gelatin, assisting Singapore in achieving sustainability. This study aims to utilise gelatin into useful self-healing hydrogels, to be used for wound-healing applications. The hydrogels will be made of Gelatin-Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA)-Oxidised Dextran (ODEX), with stability from the covalent photocrosslinks and self-healing ability from the Schiff’s base reaction. Type A Gelatin and GelMA was chosen due to its better mechanical properties and yield. Optimisation of the hydrogel was carried out until rapid self-healing in physiological conditions can be achieved in 15 minutes. Characterisation of the hydrogel via in-vitro and ex-vivo testing proves the safety and adhesion of the hydrogel to tissue, proving its feasibility for use in wound healing applications. Therefore, the study proves that novel and waste sources can be successfully converted into valuable medical materials. For the future, scaling up of the hydrogel synthesis can be explored, to allow for mass-production and commercialization, contributing to a more sustainable Singapore.