Abstract

Graphical A multifunctional pearl polypeptide thermal gel system with active regulation of wound healing was prepared by the interaction between the components of pearl polypeptide and a hydrophobic block polymer. The temperature-sensitive hydrogel can improve the solubility of pearl peptides with wound healing activity, control the slow-release effect of pearl peptides, and greatly enhance the wound healing activity. In addition, both pearl peptides and thermal gels have antioxidant activity and help to scavenge abnormally generated free radical molecules. Burns are the most common and devastating form of wounds and are usually accompanied by abnormal inflammation, inadequate extracellular matrix production, reduced angiogenesis, and lack of growth factor stimulation, which can significantly delay wound healing and lead to complications. Pearl powder, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat wound healing. In the present study, we found that supercritical CO 2 extracted pearl peptides in the size range of “>10kd” have great potential to promote wound healing at the cellular level. Antioxidant hydrogels were designed using selenium-containing block-functionalized PEG/PPG polymers. Pearl peptide components were combined into polymeric materials to develop new promising wound dressings. It was shown that pearl peptide hydrogels increased skin fibroblast viability, enhanced cellular resistance to oxidative stress, enhanced tissue remodeling, promoted angiogenesis, and exhibited enhanced promotion in wound healing.