Hybrid hydrogels based on polysaccharide gum karaya, poly(vinyl alcohol) and silk fibroin

This work focuses on preparation of a hybrid hydrogel consisting of both natural and synthetic polymers including the polysaccharide gum karaya which is both inexpensive and abundant, the protein silk fibroin which exhibits remarkable mechanical properties and poly(vinyl alcohol). These polymers were primarily selected due to their biocompatibility, but also through their ability to be combined together in an aqueous, non-toxic route, thus facilitating their potential future use as burn dressings. A range of structural, mechanical and practical techniques were employed to characterise the hydrogels including, FTIR, UV/VIS, phase contrast microscopy, XRD, DMA, swelling and hydrolytic stability. Finally, looking towards application as a dressing, these materials demonstrated low cell adhesion through a keratinocyte cell culture assay. The results support both the potential application of these hydrogels and provide insight into the role of each component polymer in the material. Therefore, we propose hybrid hydrogels such as these offer a unique combination of performance, ease of processing and low cost that can serve as inspiration for the next wave of bespoke medical products. (paper)