The competitive advantage of this invention lies in its ability to provide a fast-acting, injectable hydrogel wound dressing that addresses the key shortcomings of existing solutions. Made from animal-derived gelatin and the natural crosslinker genipin, it can be prepared at the point of care and solidifies within three minutes upon injection into the wound. Unlike many current products, it forms a stable, biocompatible, and porous matrix that retains moisture, supports cell migration, and promotes effective tissue regeneration, even in irregularly shaped wounds. Its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and proven cell compatibility make it a highly practical alternative to more complex and expensive wound healing technologies.

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Current wound healing products often fall short in several key areas. They may result in ineffective wound closure or slow healing times, lack sufficient mechanical strength and durability in moist environments, and pose a risk of microbial infections due to poor skin regeneration or compromised structural integrity. Additionally, many are expensive or require complex preparation steps, and they may not be suitable for wounds with irregular shapes. There is a clear need for a biocompatible, fast-acting, and injectable wound healing solution that can form an effective protective barrier, promote cell growth, and safely biodegrade over time.

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The key features of the solution include a gelation time of under three minutes at room temperature and the ability to maintain its shape and structure even when exposed to enzymatic degradation. It has a pore size ranging from 20 to 125 µm, which is ideal for supporting skin regeneration. Additionally, the material is hydrophilic and biocompatible, effectively promoting skin cell proliferation, with proven viability of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs).

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The innovation is an injectable hydrogel wound dressing formulated from animal-derived gelatin and genipin, a natural plant-based crosslinking agent. Designed for point-of-care application, the hydrogel can be injected directly into wounds and solidifies within three minutes at room temperature. It forms a stable, biocompatible, and porous structure that promotes moisture retention, supports skin cell proliferation, and facilitates tissue regeneration. With a pore size of 20–125 µm ideal for skin healing, and the ability to maintain its integrity under enzymatic degradation, this hydrogel offers a fast, effective, and practical solution for managing wounds—particularly those with irregular shapes—while remaining cost-effective and easy to use.

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