Phototriggered Self-Adhesive Soybean Protein-Based Hydrogels for Promoting Chronic Wound Healing

Soybean protein hydrogel wound dressings were developed using thiol-grafted soy protein isolate and ultraviolet-induced polymerization. Gallic acid-grafted soy protein side chains were incorporated to enhance the adhesion and degradation properties of the hydrogel, resulting in a self-adhesive interpenetrating dual-network hydrogel. Physicochemical characterization and cellular experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel exhibited excellent self-adhesion, degradability, and antioxidant properties, in addition to a good biocompatibility. Furthermore, in a chronic full-thickness wound model in C57 mice, the hydrogel significantly promoted wound healing, highlighting its potential for application as a biomedical wound dressing.