Algal sulfated polysaccharide-based hydrogels enhance gelling properties and in vitro wound healing compared to conventional hydrogels

Algal sulfated polysaccharides (ASPs) extracted from Sargassum fusiforme (SFP), Graciaria lemaneiformis (GLP), and Laminaria japonica (LJP), respectively, were used to prepare hydrogels together with chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol. Hydrogels prepared by incorporating these ASPs had enhanced gelling and wound healing properties when compared with conventional hydrogel systems. Among them, LJP-gel gave the highest swelling property (16.5 times of its original weight) and strongest mechanical strength (Young's modulus 31.67 kPa). The three ASP-based hydrogels also significantly increased the wound healing effects in HaCaT cells compared with that of the conventional hydrogels. Among them, LJP-gel showed the best wound healing rate (95.30%) and the highest water absorption in simulated body fluids, which was 4 times higher than those of SFP- and GLP-gel. The above results suggest that ASP-based hydrogels, especially LJP-gel could have the potential to be used as novel wound dressings with enhanced healing function.