3D printed composite dressings loaded with human epidermal growth factor for potential chronic wound healing applications

This study formulated and characterized functional properties of 3D printed composite polymer-based film dressings comprising chitosan (CH) crosslinked with genipin (GE) or CH combined with collagen (COL) and loaded with epidermal growth factor (EGF). The films were characterized using texture analyzer (tensile, adhesion), swelling capacity, X-ray diffraction-XRD, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-SEM, drug dissolution, and MTT assay using human dermal fibroblasts. FTIR confirmed crosslinking between CH and GE, CH and COL as well as between CH and EGF while XRD showed amorphous matrix of the films. Mucoadhesion studies showed the films' ability to adhere to a model simulated wound surface. SEM demonstrated a smooth, homogenous surface indicating content uniformity. The swelling was higher for CH-GE than the CH-COL films while the blank films swelled better than the EGF loaded films. EGF was initially released rapidly, reaching 100% in 2 h, subsequent sharp reduction till 5 h followed by sustained release till 72 h, while MTT assay showed greater than 90% cell viability after 48 h, confirming their biocompatibility. EGF loaded films showed higher cell proliferation than blank equivalents. Overall, the results showed the potential of CH based 3D printed films as suitable dressing platforms to deliver EGF directly to chronic wounds.