Rapid UV Photo-Cross-Linking of -Lactalbumin Hydrogel Biomaterial To Enable Wound Healing

Although both the function and biocompatibility of protein-based biomaterials are better than those of synthetic materials, their usage as medical material is currently limited by their high costs, low yield, and low batch-to-batch reproducibility. In this article, we show how alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA), rich in tryptophan, was used to produce a novel type of naturally occurring, protein-based biomaterial suitable for wound dressing. To create a photo-cross-linkable polymer, alpha-LA was methacrylated at a 100-g batch scale with >95% conversion and 90% yield. alpha-LAMA was further processed using photo-cross-linking-based advanced processing techniques such as microfluidics and 3D printing to create injectable hydrogels, monodispersed microspheres, and patterned scaffolds. The obtained alpha-LAMA hydrogels show promising biocompatibility and degradability during in vivo testing. Additionally, the alpha-LAMA hydrogel can accelerate post-traumatic wound healing and promote new tissue regeneration. In conclusion, cheap and safe alpha-LAMA-based biomaterials could be produced, and they have a beneficial effect on wound healing. As a result, there may arise a potential partnership between the dairy industry and the development of pharmaceuticals.