Nanoclay particles as a stem cell adhesion factor in polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel-based wound dressings

As the primary goal in the wound care intervention is the promotion of rapid wound healing, researchers sought to find a remedy. In this progression course, nanocomposite-based hydrogels have attracted the attention. Herein, we used a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel in combination with two forms of clay nanoparticles, namely unmodified montmorillonite (MONT) and modified (OMONT), to fabricate a nanocomposite-based hydrogels and combat the lack of stem cells' adhesion to PVA, followed by seeding of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on them. To investigate the characteristics of these constructs, corresponding tests were performed. The Young's modulus and elongation at break of PVA/5% OMONT were 3.7 +/- 0.014 and 800 +/- 35, respectively, which were higher than those of PVA/5% MONT (3 +/- 0.03 and 320 +/- 14). In addition, the hardness of the modified group (7.2 +/- 0.07) was lower than the unmodified one (9.8 +/- 0.07). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) in the OMONT group was 39 +/- 0.28, which was lower than PVA/5% MONT (46 +/- 4.24). Hence, ADSCs/PVA montmorillonite dressing may improve wound healing and provide a new way to employ stem cells, significantly impacting skin tissue engineering safely.Highlights Modified montmorillonite had higher stem cell binding. The lack of stem cells' adhesion to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was solved. Adipose-derived stem cells/PVA montmorillonite dressing may improve wound healing. It is a novel promising approach for skin tissue engineering. The process of fabrication at a glance. image