Hybrid 3D Printing of Hyaluronic Acid and Chitosan Interpolymer Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogel for Wound Dressing

蔡朋芹Peng-Chin Tsai 1, and李明家 Ming-Chia Li 1

1 Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University 

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has multiple and complex functions, including moisture retention, warmth, barrier, sensation, and protection against pathogenic bacteria, and is one of the most critical barriers to the body. The most traditional dressings for wound treatment are dry dressings, such as gauze, bandages, etc. However, the drawback of dry dressings is that they tend to cause epidermal drying and keratinization of wounds, which eventually leave scars and increase pain when changing medications, so a variety of wet dressings have been developed, such as hydrophilic dressings, antibacterial silver ion dressings, gel dressings, etc. However, none of the above dressings are transparent. 

In this study, a hydrogel produced by the formation of interpolymeric complexes (IPCs) between hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CHI) via physical crosslinking was used for hybrid 3D printing (i.e., coaxial 3D printing combined with nanoimprinting technology). By taking advantage of coaxial 3D printing, the IPC complex can be well mixed and printed on a commercial DVD disc, then nano grooves can be replicated after drying in the atmosphere. The 3D printed hybrid scaffold within the nanogroove can help heal wounds. Hyaluronic acid is abundant in cartilage, joints, and eyes, providing lubrication and moisturization, and it is indispensable in the human body. Therefore, this study is expected to use tissue engineering to help wound cells grow and achieve quick and easy skin repair.