Innovative Sericin-Based Film-Forming Gel for Wound Healing: Development and Performance Evaluation

Abstract

The development of effective wound dressings remains a critical challenge in medical treatments, requiring materials that promote healing, minimize infection, and enhance tissue regeneration. This study evaluated the wound-healing potential of sericin-based film-forming gels. Six formulations were developed by combining varying concentrations of sericin, a protein derived from silk cocoons, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). These formulations were evaluated for physical properties including drying time, pH, spreadability, stability, swelling ratio, flexibility, and adhesion. Film-forming gel is an attractive option for wound dressing due to its flexibility, adhesion, and infrequent reapplication. The F4 formulation (1% sericin) demonstrated superior performances in drying time, spreadability, stability, swelling ratio, flexibility, and skin adhesion, was easy to apply, and formed a stable film on drying. Biological evaluations showed that F4 exhibited excellent compatibility with skin fibroblast cells, maintained a suitable pH, and significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration. The F4 formulation also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting iNOS expression and nitric oxide production, offering mechanical stability, biological activity, and ease of use with significant potential for treating acute and chronic wounds.