Development of betaine–aloe vera–gelatin hydrogel formulation for the treatment of burn wounds

Abstract

Burn wounds present a significant clinical challenge, often leading to prolonged healing, infection, and substantial scarring. Traditional dressings frequently fall short in providing an optimal healing environment. Hydrogel-based wound dressings have gained significant attention in recent years due to their ability to provide a moist environment, facilitate cellular responses, and promote tissue regeneration. In this study we developed a novel composite hydrogel formulation composed of Betaine (B), Aloe vera (A), and Gelatin (G) termed BAG hydrogel to enhance burn wound healing through synergistic bioactivity and improved mechanical stability. The hydrogel was evaluated in vivo using a thermal burn wound model in rats to assess its therapeutic efficacy. Topical application of BAG hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced wound area, and promoted faster skin regeneration compared to control and other groups BG and AG. Morphometric analysis confirmed enhanced epidermal thickness and re-epithelialization in BAG-treated wounds. Histopathological evaluation on days 7 and 21 post-injury demonstrated notable collagen deposition, reduced fibrosis, and improved dermal architecture. Among all treatment groups, BAG hydrogel showed the most consistent and significant wound healing profile, emphasizing its potential in skin repair. Overall, the BAG hydrogel formulation offers a promising and bioactive therapeutic approach for burn wound management with the potential to be further developed as a customized and clinically translatable dermal substitute.