Bletilla striata polysaccharide/ethanol extract composite hydrogel for accelerated wound healing

The purpose of this study is to utilize the active ingredients of Bletilla striata ( B. striata ) to prepare the hydrogel dressing for accelerated wound healing. To this end, a series of composite hydrogels were prepared by blending different proportions of B. striata polysaccharide (BSP) and ethanol extract of B. striata (EEB) with Carbomer 940 (CBM940). These hydrogels showed porous three-dimensional structures with good water retention properties. The cytotoxicity test demonstrated the high cytocompatibility of the EEB/BSP hydrogels. Additionally, the inclusion of EEB enhanced the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of EEB/BSP hydrogel. The animal experiment illustrated the accelerated wound healing effect using the hydrogels and the highest healing rate was obtained in EEB1/BSP7 (m EEB :m BSP  = 1:7) group with the 82.00 ± 4.25% and 93.30 ± 0.97% on 7th day and 10th day, respectively. Histological observations further confirmed the excellent healing effect of EEB/BSP hydrogel. Therefore, EEB/BSP hydrogel had potential to becoming a suitable wound dressing. Graphical abstract