PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATION

2025

Antibacterial and Cell-Adhesive Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) Hydrogels Developed for Wound Treatment: In Vitro Evaluation

Buyuksungur S, Tanir TE, et al.

Biomacromolecules

Middle East Technical University (METU), Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Near East University

RESEARCH SUMMARY

This study developed novel antibacterial and cell-adhesive hydrogels based on methacrylated poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (POx-MA) and its interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) with methacrylated gelatin (GelMA). Sequential hydrolysis and methacrylation reactions produced photo-crosslinkable polymers forming hydrogels with tunable swelling, degradation, and mechanical properties. The hydrogels exhibited excellent fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and wound closure capability, alongside strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Among the formulations, POx-MA hydrogels showed the highest wound closure rate (67 ± 8%) and favorable compressive elasticity (15 ± 5 kPa), demonstrating promise for wound healing and soft tissue regeneration.

Compressive mechanical properties of POx-MA, POx-MA:GelMA, and GelMA hydrogels were quantified using a CellScale UniVert mechanical testing system (Waterloo, ON, Canada) equipped with a 10 N load cell. Cylindrical samples (4 mm height) were compressed at 1 mm min⁻¹, and the compressive elastic modulus was calculated from the stress–strain curve between 20–40% strain. UniVert testing revealed that GelMA exhibited the highest stiffness (199 ± 21 kPa), while POx-MA maintained superior flexibility (15 ± 5 kPa) and structural recovery after compression, validating the system’s suitability for soft tissue engineering applications.

AUTHORS

Senem Buyuksungur, Tugba Endogan Tanir, Vasif Hasirci, Nesrin Hasirci.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

JOURNAL

Biomacromolecules

YEAR

2025

INSTITUTIONS

Middle East Technical University (METU), Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Near East University

COUNTRIES

Turkey

INSTRUMENT USED

UniVert

TESTING METHODS

Compression Testing

RESEARCH APPLICATIONS

Cell Laden HydrogelsHydrogel Mechanical TestingInjectable & Regenerative BiomaterialsPolymers and Elastomers TestingSkin and Wound Healing BiomechanicsStimuli Responsive Hydrogels Characterization

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