Epidermal growth factor-loaded microspheres/hydrogel composite for instant hemostasis and liver regeneration

Rapid hemostasis and effective healing for the non-compressible liver wounds which are not able to be sewn, especially for those large-area wounds, remain great clinical challenges. In this study, we fabricated epidermal growth factor (EGF)-loaded chitosan microspheres (CM) and then incorporated them into a photo-crosslinking gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel. The results showed that the EGF-loaded CM/GelMA precursor solution could transform into a hydrogel and cease bleeding at laceration sites without external stress. Subsequently, the sustained release of EGF accelerated wound closure and promoted liver regeneration. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that the microsphere/hydrogel composite could promote the proliferation and migration of L02 ​cells. Moreover, the histological and immunohistological analyses indicated that EGF-CM/GelMA composite could alleviate inflammation in the mouse liver and promote liver remodeling. Overall, this multi-functional microsphere/hydrogel composite will inspire the development of clinical applications for noncompressible hemostasis and successive wound closure.