Propolis-loaded 3D bioprinted alginate/poly(vinyl)alcohol constructs for healing of full thickness skin wounds

Objectives The development of bioactive wound dressings capable of actively modulating the healing microenvironment remains a critical challenge in regenerative medicine. In this study, a hybrid alginate/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Alg/PVA) hydrogel scaffold was fabricated by 3D bioprinting and subsequently functionalized with propolis to obtain a structurally stable and biologically active wound dressing. Methods A hybrid Alg/PVA hydrogel scaffold was fabricated using 3D bioprinting. Propolis loading was performed to introduce multifunctional biological activities, which were systematically evaluated via physicochemical characterization, surface hydrophilicity, water absorption, and propolis release kinetics. Antioxidant activity, antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli , and fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and migration were also assessed. Finally, in vivo wound healing studies were conducted over 21 days in a rat model. Results The incorporation of PVA improved the printability, mechanical integrity, and degradation behavior of the alginate-based scaffold, while propolis provided multifunctional biological activity. Propolis-loaded scaffolds exhibited enhanced surface hydrophilicity, controlled water absorption, and suitable water vapor transmission rates. Sustained propolis release provided antioxidant activity and inhibited the growth of both S. aureus and E. coli . In addition, the propolis-functionalized scaffolds supported fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Wound healing studies showed accelerated wound closure, enhanced collagen deposition, and improved angiogenesis over 21 days for propolis-loaded scaffolds relative to non-loaded Alg/PVA scaffolds. Conclusions These results demonstrate that 3D bioprinted propolis-functionalized Alg/PVA scaffolds represent a promising multifunctional platform for wound healing.