Elastolytic-sensitive 3D-printed chitosan scaffold for wound healing applications

The combination of a chitosan 3D-printed scaffold with a hydrogel matrix containing an elastin-like polypeptide functionalized with the epidermal growth factor (HEGF) was evaluated as a possible strategy to obtain a bioactive platform with stimuli-responsive properties. We designed a chitosan/HEGF hybrid scaffold and examined the physico-chemical properties and the in vitro behavior when in contact with simulated biological fluids. Primary human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) were used to test the in vitro cytocompatibility. Overall, these data provide first insights into the integration of HEGF-based hydrogel with 3D-printed scaffolds, contributing towards the rational design of a new smart functional wound dressing. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].