Fabrication of a photo-crosslinked gelatin hydrogel for preventing abdominal adhesion

Abstract

Natural hydrogels are promising membranes used to prevent intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Currently, natural hydrogels such as chitosan-, gelatin- or hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels are utilized to prevent adhesion. However, their uncontrollable mechanical properties and quick degradation result in an unsatisfying short effect-time. In this study, a photocrosslinkable gelatin (GelMA) prepolymer was synthesized and developed for preventing intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Hydrogel membranes based on GelMA showed easy-handleability, non-toxic degradation and a long-lasting excellent barrier effect for up to 1 month. We have found that a 20% GelMA hydrogel membrane concentration could be employed to meet the requirements of excellent barrier effect, and the implantation of GelMA hydrogel membranes in rat abdominal cavities in experimental groups led to a considerable decrease in adhesion formation in comparison to the control group. The present study established the initial foundation for a novel and practical approach to prevent abdominal adhesion in surgery.