Injectable antioxidant gellan gum–elastin hydrogels with UV-mediated crosslinking and structural recovery for advanced wound management and healing

Wound healing is a complex process in which oxidative stress and chronic inflammation impair tissue regeneration. Hydrogels are widely investigated as biomaterials for wound management due to their ability to provide a moist environment, support cell adhesion, and deliver bioactive molecules. However, combining adaptability, injectability, externally controlled structural recovery, and antioxidant activity within a single hydrogel system remains challenging. Here, we developed hydrogels based on gellan gum functionalized with α-lipoic acid (GG-EDA-LA) and methacrylated elastin (ELMA), featuring UV-assisted crosslinking/network recovery and radical scavenging activity. Rheological and microscopic analyses confirmed the formation of stable three-dimensional networks and the ability to recover after structural damage. In vitro studies using primary human neonatal dermal fibroblasts (HNDFs) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) demonstrated cytocompatibility and cell adhesion. Colorimetric and cell-based antioxidant assays performed on human fetal dermal mesenchymal stromal cells (FD-MSCs) confirmed effective free radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, loading the hydrogels with extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells highlighted their versatility as bioactive carriers for tissue regeneration, particularly enhancing cell migration under oxidative-stress conditions. These multifunctional hydrogels represent a promising platform for advanced wound management and healing, combining oxidative stress modulation, structural adaptability, injectability, and UV-healing for the treatment of complex wounds.