Exploring Z-Tyr-Phe-OH-based hydrogels loaded with curcumin for the development of dressings for wound healing

The poor mechanical performance and difficulty of using wound dressings without discomfort to the patient motivated the development of textile composites, incorporating peptide hydrogels in textile matrices. Thus, 70% viscose and 30% polyester non-woven and 100% cotton bandages were functionalized by impregnation with a hydrogel resulting from physical crosslinking of Z-Tyr-Phe-OH dipeptide. The healing properties of these structures resulted from the incorporation of curcumin into the polymer. The textile composites were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and colour strength (K/S) with differences being observed after functionalization with the hydrogel (higher surface smoothness and thermal stability). The breathability and moisture management properties of the new composites were similar to those of commercial dressings, and the pH value of the aqueous extract resembled skin. The swelling of the composites increased significantly due to the contribution of the hydrogel. Furthermore, the textile composites released the curcumin for a long time with an initial burst release in the first 2 h and showed good antibacterial and antifungal properties, without displaying significant cytotoxicity on fibroblasts. Overall, the composites here were developed to meet the main requirements of dressings for the management and treatment of skin wounds.This study was supported by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of the project PTDC/QUI-QOR/29015/2017 and by FCT/OE, PIDDAC funds within the scope of the projects UID/CTM/00264/2021, UIDB/04469/2020 and UIDB/04423/2020.