Design of a Gelatin/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogel Containing Myrtus Communis Extract with Anti-inflammatory Capabilities for Accelerated Wound Healing; in Vitro and in Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Achieving optimal skin integrity after an injury requires using a wound dressing with desirable hydrogel properties. This study aims to develop a hydrogel primarily made from gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose (GEL/CMC). METHODS & MATERIALS: We incorporated Myrtus communis extract into the hydrogel to evaluate its healing effect on full-thickness wounds. The plant extract acts as a regulator of inflammation, promoting proliferation and pro-angiogenic factors, while the natural polymers support these processes. The characterization of Myrtus communis and the hydrogel involved various methods, including assessments of mechanical properties, morphology, hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and animal testing. RESULTS: The hydrogels exhibited porous designs with interconnected pores, with a mean size of 119.73 ± 13.67. They also showed a swelling capability of up to 90% of their starting weight within 48 h. The hydrogels also demonstrated both biocompatibility and hemocompatibility characteristics. In the final phase, the assessment of wound healing in the animal model revealed that using the synthesized hydrogels greatly enhanced the healing process (closure of the wound area: 88.73 ± 3.95%). CONCLUSION: In summary, this scaffold has shown promise in promoting tissue re-epithelialization and regeneration, which makes it a highly favorable option for improving the healing of skin wounds.