Effect of oxidized Bletilla striata polysaccharide on fibrin hydrogel formation and its application in wound healing dressing

Wound healing is influenced by various factors, including oxidative damage, bacterial infection, and inadequate angiogenesis, which collectively contribute to a protracted healing process. In this work, we designed innovative multifunctional hydrogels based on fibrin integrated with Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSP) or oxidated Bletilla striata polysaccharides (OBSP) for use as wound dressings. The preliminary structure and bioactivity of BSP and OBSP were investigated. The effect of polysaccharides on the self-assembly process of fibrin hydrogels were also evaluated. BSP and OBSP significantly altered the initial fibrin fibrillogenesis and the ultimate structure of the fibrin network. Relative to pure fibrin hydrogel, the incorporation of BSP and OBSP enhanced water swelling and retention, and decelerated the degradation of hydrogels in PBS. Furthermore, BSP and OBSP augmented the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of fibrin hydrogels, with OBSP demonstrating superior performance in these aspects. Through the development of a murine wound model, it was observed that the wound healing efficacy of hydrogels incorporating BSP and OBSP surpassed that of the pure fibrin group. Notably, the hydrogel formulated with 25 mg/mL OBSP exhibited the most pronounced therapeutic effect, achieving a healing rate approaching 100 %. Consequently, fibrin-OBSP composite hydrogels demonstrate significant potential as wound dressings.