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

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.