Development of Curcumin/ADP-Loaded Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel for Enhanced Wound Healing with Hemostatic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibacterial Properties

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are promising carriers for bioactive agents like curcumin (Cur) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in wound healing. However, existing GelMA-based systems fail to achieve both rapid hemostasis and sustained anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we developed a Cur/ADP GelMA hydrogel, and evaluated its anti-inflammatory, regenerative, hemostatic, and biocompatible properties. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis showed that a 65% degree of substitution of GelMA is optimal for wound dressings. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a uniform pore size, aiding inflammatory exudate removal. The Cur/ADP GelMA hydrogel exhibited strong adhesion, stability, and antibacterial activity, reducing E. coli and S. aureus proliferation by 85% and 72%, respectively. Hemostatic effects were observed, with blood loss reduced to 238 ± 23 mg compared to 559 ± 18 mg in the untreated group. The ELISA results showed reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and increased IL-10. In vivo studies demonstrated 98% wound closure by day 14, enhanced granulation tissue formation, and a 70% thicker epidermis compared to controls. Mechanistically, ADP accelerates platelet activation and clot formation, while Cur modulates the inflammatory microenvironment, enabling synergistic hemostasis and immune regulation, thus promoting accelerated wound healing.