Nanoclay particles as a stem cell adhesion factor in polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel-based wound dressings

Abstract

As the primary goal in the wound care intervention is the promotion of rapid wound healing, researchers sought to find a remedy. In this progression course, nanocomposite-based hydrogels have attracted the attention. Herein, we used a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel in combination with two forms of clay nanoparticles, namely unmodified montmorillonite (MONT) and modified (OMONT), to fabricate a nanocomposite-based hydrogels and combat the lack of stem cells' adhesion to PVA, followed by seeding of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on them. To investigate the characteristics of these constructs, corresponding tests were performed. The Young's modulus and elongation at break of PVA/5% OMONT were 3.7 ± 0.014 and 800 ± 35, respectively, which were higher than those of PVA/5% MONT (3 ± 0.03 and 320 ± 14). In addition, the hardness of the modified group (7.2 ± 0.07) was lower than the unmodified one (9.8 ± 0.07). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) in the OMONT group was 39 ± 0.28, which was lower than PVA/5% MONT (46 ± 4.24). Hence, ADSCs/PVA montmorillonite dressing may improve wound healing and provide a new way to employ stem cells, significantly impacting skin tissue engineering safely. Highlights: Modified montmorillonite had higher stem cell binding. The lack of stem cells' adhesion to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was solved. Adipose-derived stem cells/PVA montmorillonite dressing may improve wound healing. It is a novel promising approach for skin tissue engineering.