Optimised GelMA/Tragacanth gum hydrogel loaded with vanillic acid for biomedical applications

Abstract

In this study a hybrid hydrogel based on GelMA incorporated with Tragacanth gum that can improve compressive properties and swelling of the GelMA and provide a sustained release of vanillic acid is developed and thoroughly evaluated. This hydrogel hybrid system undergoes gelation through UV crosslinking. The presence of Tragacanth was found to increase the swelling of the hydrogel system from 500 to 1200 times and the compressive strength from 15 +/- 1 kPa to 49 +/- 3 kPa. Also, rheological and injectability investigations confirmed that the proposed hydrogel system is suitable for use as an injectable hydrogel. In addition, the drug loading and release profile of vanillic acid, used as a model drug, was investigated. The results revealed sustained release behavior that follows the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The results demonstrate the synergistic effects of the GelMA/Tragacanth gum hybrid system, highlighting the potential of this degradable and non-toxic composite hydrogel for advanced biomedical applications such as controlled drug delivery systems and wound healing.