3D-printed dual-crosslinked hydrogel scaffold loaded with ginger-derived exosomes for enhanced infected wound healing

Abstract

Infected wounds pose a significant clinical challenge, as persistent bacterial colonization exacerbates inflammation, disrupts the local immune microenvironment, and delays tissue repair. Here, we report the development of a 3D printing dual-crosslinked hydrogel scaffold loaded with ginger-derived exosome-like vesicles (GPP@G-ELNs) to promote healing of infected full-thickness wounds. The hydrogel was fabricated by combining GelMA-PBA and PVA to form a dual-network structure, followed by photo-crosslinking and 3D printing, and then loaded with G-ELNs. The bioactivity of the scaffold was evaluated in an infected rat wound model, focusing on wound closure, angiogenesis, antibacterial efficacy, and immunomodulatory effects. Treatment with GPP@G-ELNs hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, promoted collagen deposition, and enhanced angiogenesis. Moreover, the hydrogel exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with ginger-derived exosomes playing a critical role in modulating macrophage polarization and controlling local immune responses. These findings demonstrate that the 3D printing GPP@G-ELNs hydrogel provides an integrated platform for infection control, immunoregulation, and tissue regeneration, offering promising potential for clinical application in the management of infected wounds.

Keywords

Infected wound healing / 3D printing / Dual-crosslinked hydrogel / Exosomes / Infection control

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