Antioxidant effects of Gastrodia elata polysaccharide-based hydrogels loaded with puerarin/gelatin microspheres for D-galactose-induced aging-skin wound healing

The healing of wounds in aging skin is a challenging issue that has not been thoroughly studied. Composite hydrogels made from natural polysaccharides have shown potential as dressings for various types of wounds. In this study, we prepared a polysaccharide-based composite hydrogel to provide a new strategy for treating aging skin wounds. First, chitosan (CS) was modified and Gastrodin (GAS) was grafted onto its main chain structure to obtain GAS/CS. Then GAS/CS was mixed with oxidized Gastrodia elata polysaccharides (GEP) to form a hydrogel using the principle of adsorbent reaction, and Puerarin (PUE), a natural plant ingredient, was embedded by gelatin microspheres and then loaded into the hydrogel. As a result, the composite hydrogel effectively reduced oxidative stress in tissue cells at the wound site and inhibited bacterial growth. It also reduced inflammation, promoted angiogenesis, and enhanced collagen deposition, which facilitated the repair of all aspects of the wound healing process in aging mouse skin. In short, this study explored the anti-aging effects of polysaccharides from Gastrodia elata , which might serve as both a treatment and an auxiliary for aging skin wounds. Additionally, the Gastrodia elata polysaccharide hydrogel was expected to be a promising drug carrier for skin repair.