Royal jelly-enriched alginate/gelatin hydrogel film for effective treatment of chronic skin wounds

Abstract

Chronic wounds caused by trauma, immune deficiencies, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes present a major healthcare challenge due to prolonged healing and infection risks. Conventional wound dressings primarily provide protection and bacterial control but offer limited support for the healing process. Hydrogels, known for their moisture retention and exudate absorption, have gained attention in wound care. However, many formulations lack bioactive agents that promote healing, prevent infections, or stimulate collagen production. This study introduces a novel hydrogel film composed of sodium alginate, gelatin, and royal jelly to enhance chronic wound management. Hydrogels were synthesized using different concentrations of these components and evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, swelling capacity, degradation rate, and water vapor transmission. Results demonstrated that royal jelly significantly increased swelling capacity, controlled degradation, and optimized water vapor transmission, which are critical factors for wound healing. Mechanical testing revealed Young's modulus ranging from 5 to 12 MPa, indicating the hydrogel's suitability for wound applications. In vitro studies confirmed that royal jelly promoted fibroblast proliferation and enhanced cell migration, both essential for tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the hydrogel exhibited strong antibacterial activity and accelerated wound healing in animal models, achieving complete closure within 14 days. These findings indicate that sodium alginate–gelatin hydrogels enriched with royal jelly provide an effective combination of favorable mechanical properties and enhanced biological functions, making them a promising option for chronic wound treatment. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd