Exploring the Role of Gelatins in Accelerating Wound Healing: A Recent Update
Article information
Abstract
The biological properties of gelatin have gained considerable attention in wound repair due to its ability to support essential cellular activities. As a derivative of collagen, gelatin is a vital component of the extracellular matrix, providing structural integrity to tissues. Its biodegradability and biocompatibility make it an excellent scaffold that fosters cellular migration and proliferation during the healing process. Gelatinbased materials have emerged as important tools in various clinical applications, particularly for wound management. They promote cell adhesion and migration, critical factors for effective wound healing. Ongoing research into gelatin-based dressings highlights their potential to improve healing outcomes. This review discusses advanced therapeutic strategies, the unique characteristics of gelatin, and its clinical applications in skin wound closure. Furthermore, recent advances in skin regeneration involve gelatin-based scaffolds activated by growth factors and bioactive compounds, offering opportunities for customized therapeutic design.
Introduction
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a vital role in providing protection to underlying tissues. Disruption of skin integrity due to external environmental factors can result in wounds, leading to a breakdown of the body’s barrier defenses. This increases the risk of infection, causes pain, and may result in damage to sensory (tactile) organs [1-4]. Wound healing represents a complex, multistep physiological process that is critical for restoring the structural and functional integrity of the skin following injury [4]. Managing wounds remains a clinical challenge and places a significant burden on healthcare systems, affecting both costs and patient quality of life [5]. The importance of adequate wound healing cannot be overstated, as it is essential for recovery from injuries and the overall health of individuals [4].
The management of chronic and non-healing wounds remains a significant clinical challenge, especially among elderly patients and those with underlying conditions like diabetes and peripheral vascular disease [4-6]. Gelatin, a denatured protein derived from collagen, has emerged as a promising biomaterial for enhancing wound healing due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-cytotoxicity [7,8]. Ideal wound dressings should create a moist environment, absorb excess exudate, allow gas exchange, prevent microbial invasion, and promote angiogenesis and collagen formation [9]. The increasing interest in gelatin arises from its potential to stimulate angiogenesis and modulate inflammatory processes [1,6,10,11]. This review aims to evaluate recent literature concerning the role of gelatin in wound healing and evaluates its potential clinical applications and future therapeutic prospects.
Literature searching methods
A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed databases to identify relevant studies published between January 2018 and February 2025. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords and Boolean operators: “gelatin” OR “gelatin-based” AND “wound healing” OR “wound dressing” OR “skin regeneration.” To ensure completeness, the reference lists of selected papers were also hand-searched for additional eligible studies.
Inclusion criteria comprised: (1) peer-reviewed original research articles; (2) publications in English; (3) studies investigating gelatin or gelatin-based biomaterials in the context of wound healing (in vitro, in vivo, or clinical); and (4) availability of measurable wound-related outcomes such as re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, or wound closure rates. Exclusion criteria included: (1) conference abstracts, editorials, commentaries, or narrative reviews; (2) studies not directly related to wound healing applications of gelatin; (3) articles lacking primary experimental or clinical data; and (4) full-text unavailability.
The study selection adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Initially, all identified records were imported into reference management software, and duplicates were removed. Titles and abstracts were independently screened by two reviewers, followed by full-text assessment to determine final eligibility. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus, with a third reviewer consulted when necessary.
In total, 99 records were identified. Following title and abstract screening, 81 articles were excluded, leaving 18 full-text articles for eligibility assessment. Of these, six were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 12 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. The selection process is illustrated in the PRISMA flow diagram depicted in Fig. 1.
PRISMA flow diagram of the article selection process. PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
Overview of wound healing process
Wounds are an interruption in the continuity of the skin or mucosal surface caused by physical or thermal trauma, and are generally classified as acute (8–12 weeks) or chronic (>12 weeks) based on their healing time [12]. Wound healing is a physiological process wherein the body repairs damage to skin tissue. This intricate response involves the organism’s efforts to restore tissues or organs to homeostasis, achieving physiological stability. The process is characterized by reorganizing skin tissue through regenerating epithelial functional tissue that covers the wound. While the fundamental healing mechanisms are consistent across different types of wounds, variations may arise based on the wound’s location, severity, and extent. Furthermore, the regenerative capacity of cells and tissues significantly influences the wound-healing process [11,13,14].
The wound healing process involves a cascade of coordinated events, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling [15,16]. Hemostasis, as the initial phase of wound healing, is characterized by the formation of a blood clot that serves to minimize blood loss and establish a temporary extracellular matrix that facilitates subsequent cellular infiltration [17]. The inflammatory phase is marked by the infiltration of immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, into the wound area, where they function to eliminate cellular debris and pathogens while secreting cytokines and growth factors that regulate and initiate the following phases of the wound healing process [18]. Afterward, the proliferation phase involves angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels and fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, leading to granulation tissue formation [19]. Subsequent sections of this review further elaborate on the role of gelatin throughout these phases, including its contribution to angiogenesis, collagen remodeling, and tissue maturation.
Biological and physical properties of gelatin
Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, emerging as a prominent biomaterial in wound healing due to its properties of biocompatibility and biodegradability [1,20]. It is a biomaterial frequently utilized in pharmaceutical formulations [13,21] and a natural polymer derived from insoluble collagen through hydrolysis [22]. The primary components of gelatin include proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline which contribute to its characteristic gelling behavior and mechanical properties [23]. As a polyelectrolyte polymer, gelatin contains various ionizable compounds and is water soluble. Its structure closely resembles the extracellular matrix, which is a crucial component in wound repair, facilitating cell adhesion and proliferation [1].
Collagen is a structural protein widely distributed in animal tissues, including skin, bones and connective tissue [21]. The process of hydrolysis, whether induced by acidic, alkaline or enzymatic treatments, cuts the triple-helical structure of collagen into smaller peptide fragments varying molecular weights, typically ranging from 50 to 100 kDa [24]. The gelatin extraction process contributes to molecule weight variety, which is determined by its composition, which includes free α-chains, β-chains (formed by two covalently bonded α-chains), and γ-chains (comprising three covalently linked α-chains) [25]. Fig. 2 explains the chemical and molecular structure of gelatin in hydrogel form [26,27].
Gelatin is water soluble and has many applications in various fields such as food industries, drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound dressing. Despite these characteristics gelatin-based materials still exhibit poor mechanical properties, thermal instability and short degradation time, which however can be mitigated through cross-linking [28].
Collagen used for gelatin extraction is commonly derived from ovine, bovine, and porcine sources, and exhibits pore sizes ranging from approximately 73 to 87 μm, showing similar architecture regardless of origin [11]. Cheah et al. [29] developed an acellular gelatin-chitosan-cellulose nanocrystal (GCCNC) scaffold with a pore size of 148.46±48.68 μm. A study by Ren et al. [30] developed PH/GMs@bFGF&PDA, which contains phenylboronic acid (aminophenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid [BA-HA]) with polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and HA, forming a gel structure with a pore size of 5-30 μm.
Sources of gelatin
The demand for gelatin has experienced a substantial increase over the past decade, with the global gelatin market reaching a volume of 464,410 tons in 2023 [31]. Gelatin is primarily derived from the protein components found in animals’ bones, skin, and connective tissues, including those from fish and insects. Key sources of gelatin include porcine and bovine skins and demineralized hooves and bones. Of these, pig skin is a significant source, contributing significantly to production proportions of 46% from porcine sources, 29.4% from bovine hides, and 23.1% from cattle skeletons. However, using pig skin carries the risk of infectious vector transmission, raising health concerns. Consequently, alternative raw materials for gelatin production are being explored, including fish, mammals, and by-products from the poultry industry.
Gelatin is classified into two primary types: Type A and Type B. Type A gelatin is produced via acid treatment, utilizing sulfuric or hydrochloric acid agents. In contrast, Type B gelatin undergoes an alkaline treatment. These types exhibit different isoelectric points; Type A gelatin has an isoelectric point ranging from pH 6 to 9, whereas Type B gelatin has an isoelectric point at pH 5. Notably, Type B gelatin exhibits higher cross-linking, resulting in a slower degradation rate. Following the various treatments, the resultant gelatin solutions are subjected to filtration, deionization, and concentration processes through either vacuum evaporation or membrane filtration. Albuminoids, lipids, and minerals in the bones or skin are eliminated via chemical and physical treatments to achieve purified gelatin [15,32,33].
The high protein content of gelatin allows it to serve as a viable alternative to fats and carbohydrates. It is cholesterol- and fat-free, offering low energy while rich in protein and beneficial protective colloids. Due to its strong emulsifying properties, gelatin may inhibit the aggregation of proteins from milk, soy, and other sources in gastric acid after entering the stomach, which aids food digestion. Gelatin derived from fish is typically produced using by-products of the fishing industry, such as fish skin, scales, and bones, providing an efficient way to reduce waste and utilize collagen-rich materials. Notably, there are differences in the primary amino acid sequences between fish gelatin and gelatin sourced from pig or bovine skin. Fish gelatin, primarily extracted from cold-water fish, has a lower melting temperature, potentially impacting its thermal stability and efficacy at physiological body temperature. Additionally, there is a concern regarding the potential for allergic reactions to fish gelatin [15,33].
Gelatin in the wound healing process
Following a skin lesion, the body initiates blood clotting to prevent blood loss and prevent pathogens from entering [13]. This initiates a cascade of molecular and cellular events that restore the damaged tissue [34]. The mechanism of gelatin’s hemostatic property involves physical interactions, such as physical compression, concentration of blood factors, electrostatic adsorption of platelets, and water absorption. Gelatin in sponge form exhibits high swelling properties, enabling it to achieve compression hemostasis, while hydrogel and powder formulations are particularly useful for irregular shaped wounds because their pliable consistency allows them to conform closely to uneven wound surfaces, ensuring effective contact and hemostasis. Furthermore, gelatin has a bacterial barrier property that protects the wound from microbial contamination [35].
During the inflammatory phase, gelatin contributes to regulating the growth and stimulating the migration of smooth muscle cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts within the wound area [36]. Inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, can be regulated by gelatin. Gelatin reduces the secretion of cytokines by downregulating the expression of ILs, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators [37]. During the inflammatory phase, elevated reactive oxygen species or microbial infection can provoke a prolonged inflammatory response, thereby hindering progression to the proliferative phase. A hybrid hydrogel exhibits lower expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the wound, which shortens the inflammatory response [38].
While angiogenesis is primarily associated with the proliferative phase, it also plays a role in resolving inflammation. During the proliferative phase, fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed and initiate the synthesis of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Gelatin-based matrices offer structural support that facilitates fibroblast migration and proliferation, thereby promoting tissue regeneration. Additionally, gelatin serves as a scaffold for angiogenesis, which is crucial for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the regenerating tissue. Gelatin hydrogel has been shown to enhance the infiltration of inflammatory cells and elevate the deposition of type III collagen within the wound area [39]. It also promotes angiogenesis by stimulating endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, leading to the formation of new blood vessels within the wound bed [40]. Growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), can be produced by gelatin to promote angiogenesis. Gelatin-based hydrogels, combined with the microbial transglutaminase enzyme, can enhance the healing effect and accelerate the healing process [41].
The body orchestrates the synthesis of a structured extracellular matrix to replace compromised or lost tissue in the remodeling phase. Gelatin serves as a matrix that supports the deposition of collagen and other ECM components [1]. Furthermore, it provides structural and mechanical support at the wound site, enhancing the formation of new tissue. As the process of re-epithelialization continues, adequate nutrition is supplied directly to the wound, enhancing the repair mechanism and aiding in scar reduction [11]. A summary of the mechanisms of gelatin in wound healing is illustrated in Fig. 3.
Mechanism of action of gelatin in each stage of wound healing. IL, interleukin; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; ECM, extracellular matrix.
Clinical applications of gelatin
Gelatin is a versatile substance widely employed in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medical sectors due to its unique technological and mechanical properties. Within the cosmetics and health product industries, it is commonly found in formulations such as bath salts, shampoos, body lotions, hair sprays, facial creams, and sunscreens. Additionally, gelatin is utilized in skin care products and functional nutritional foods, as oral intake of gelatin has been shown to enhance bone and joint health. In the medical field, gelatin serves multiple purposes: it acts as a matrix for implants, a stabilizing agent in vaccines for diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, diphtheria, and tetanus toxin, and as a coating for medical devices. Furthermore, gelatin is also used in intravenous infusions, as a drug delivery system, in producing both hard and soft capsules, as plasma expanders, in hydrogels, and as carriers in nanofiber and microsphere applications. Its role extends to cell transplantation vehicles, tissue bio adhesives, hemostatic agents, sealants, and wound dressings. Moreover, injectable gelatin microcrystals can enhance cell therapy in treating deep wounds by facilitating the delivery of cells to deeper layers of wound tissue through a micro syringe, thereby reducing targeted site damage and minimizing invasive side effects [15,33].
Composition and characteristics of gelatin that contribute to wound healing
Gelatin comprises 19 amino acids, notably glycine (27%−35%), proline, and hydroxyproline (20%−24%), and is widely used as a film or coating agent. It promotes epithelialization and granulation tissue growth, making it an effective accelerator for wound healing. As a scaffold in engineered tissues at wound sites, gelatin enhances vascularization due to its remarkable biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, and cost-effectiveness. Its structural similarity to the extracellular matrix allows favorable interactions with keratinocytes, cerebellar stem cells, pre-osteoblasts, and adipocytes [9,11].
Gelatin’s adhesive properties further facilitate wound healing, supported by its mechanical strength that withstands applied forces. The porous structures of gelatin scaffolds are customizable with adjustable pore sizes, optimizing oxygen diffusion to enhance healing. Cytotoxicity evaluations are vital in biomaterial assessment; gelatin typically shows no cytotoxic effects, but the extraction method must be carefully considered to avoid potential toxicity [1,11].
Antibacterial properties are essential in biomaterials to inhibit the entry and colonization of microbes at the site of injury. While gelatin itself has limited antibacterial activity, it can be enhanced with compounds like black pepper oleoresin, D-limonene, Ginkgo biloba extract, curcumin, and antibiotics to improve its antimicrobial efficacy [1,11].
Biocompatibility of gelatin in wound care
Gelatin-based wound healing dressings exhibit excellent biocompatibility and significant advantages in drug delivery, contributing to their rapid development in clinical applications. However, factors such as the type of gelatin used, its concentration, and the formulation conditions can influence the effectiveness of these dressings as drug carriers. Research has demonstrated that an injectable hydrogel sealant composed of gelatin, sodium alginate (SA), and protocatechualdehyde exhibits strong adhesive properties due to the interactions between the amino groups of gelatin and the carboxyl groups of SA. This formulation leads to reduced bleeding and shorter times to hemostasis in vivo experiments, ultimately promoting complete wound healing within 21 days [42]. Jang et al. [43] demonstrated that gelatin facilitates full thickness wound healing without triggering a significant immune response. During the healing process, contractile connective tissue undergoes shrinking, which helps close the wound margins. However, excessive contraction can result in physical deformation, poor cosmetic outcomes, and functional limitations due to dense, irregular collagenous tissue formation. Gelatin has been shown to enhance skin regeneration and mitigate wound contraction [1]. In in vivo studies involving dermal powder/gelatin pastes, gelatin demonstrated a notable effect on wound healing due to the involvement of various cell types, including inflammatory cells, in the healing process [41]. Additionally, gelatin stimulates the formation of elastic fibers, which are crucial for the mechanical properties of the skin, helping to reduce wound contraction and scar formation. An increase in elastic fibers contributes to wound healing outcomes that closely resemble the characteristics of normal skin tissue [1,43].
Research conducted by Hsu et al. [44] illustrated that gelatin combined with hyaluronic acid hydrogel fosters the development of thick granulation tissue, re-epithelialization, and angiogenesis. Another study by Nikpasand and Parvizi [45] utilized gel-based titanium dioxide nanoparticles in a gelatin composite in murine models, revealing that gelatin nanocomposites significantly accelerate wound healing processes. This includes promoting wound contraction, re-epithelialization, and neovascularization, alongside an increase in mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cell populations and fibroblast proliferation. Furthermore, gelatin exhibits strong hydrophilic properties, which help retain moisture and minimize fluid loss from the wound site, thereby supporting tissue regeneration. Akhavan-Kharazian and Izadi-Vasafi [46] also reported using gelatin as a wound-healing agent in chitosan, gelatin, nanocrystalline cellulose, and calcium peroxide films. Gelatin’s favorable water vapor transmission rate is instrumental in maintaining an optimal fluid balance at the wound site. Compared to alginate-based hydrogels, gelatin-based hydrogels have been found to promote a faster rate of wound healing without complications. Both hydrogels positively influence all phases of wound healing, from inflammation to proliferation and contraction [47].
How gelatin functions in accelerating wound healing
Inflammatory factors are critical in recruiting inflammatory cells that migrate to the wound site to engulf bacteria and necrotic tissue. While inflammation is vital for wound healing, an excess of inflammatory cells may invade surrounding healthy tissue. Gelatin-based wound dressings can significantly decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 [1]. Gelatin can also serve as a drug delivery system within wound dressings, effectively carrying basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), promoting collagen synthesis, facilitating angiogenesis, and enhancing wound healing. Additionally, various studies have reported the development of gelatin-based hybrid membrane wound dressings that incorporate gelatin with materials such as hydroxyapatite, catechin film, crystalline cellulose, or chitosan while integrating bioactive agents. These gelatin-based dressings have demonstrated commendable mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity, substantial antimicrobial efficacy, enhanced proliferation of skin cells and outstanding fluid absorption capacity, expediting wound healing [11]. Furthermore, gelatin can be formulated into sponges, nanofibers, or nanofibrous structures for wound care, which similarly exhibit strong efficacy in wound healing, non-toxicity, sustained release of therapeutic agents, biocompatibility, and significant antibacterial activity when loaded with bioactive compounds [1,11].
Gelatin is ideal for hydrogel wound dressings because it facilitates the sustained release of various cell growth factors. Gelatin-based hydrogels exhibit excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility and can be chemically modified to achieve diverse functionalities. Kushibiki et al. [48] demonstrated that gelatin hydrogels incorporating essential bFGF can enhance the survival rate of skin flaps and promote healing in diabetic wounds. This formulation fosters fibroblast proliferation, which supports cell migration and aids in skin flap formation, improves overall wound healing, enhances epithelization, increases collagen deposition, and accelerates the healing process.
Photo cross-linked gelatin hydrogels present a promising alternative due to their rapid activation via light exposure. In the photo cross-linking process, the hydroxyl groups present in the side chains of amino acids create free radicals, driving the reaction forward. The concentration of the photo initiator and the LED (light-emitting diode) power density are critical factors influencing the generation of these free radicals. Additionally, methacrylate gelatin can adhere to moist wound environments and enhance polymerization rates. However, it is important to note that methacrylated gelatin contains methacrylic acid, which is volatile and flammable. Consequently, its preparation necessitates careful handling, and degradation of methacrylate gelatin may lead to minor oral toxicity and skin and respiratory irritation [48,49].
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation rich in various growth factors and contains a high concentration of platelets. Gelatin can serve as a PRP carrier, effectively retaining growth factors at the application site and facilitating accelerated angiogenesis and wound healing. Gelatin microspheres (GMs) offer distinct advantages over other microspheres, including an extended half-life of the encapsulated growth factors, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Applying GMs loaded with PRP has demonstrated effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis, degenerative intervertebral disc issues in rabbits, bone regeneration in rabbits, and ischemic disorders in mice, all contributing to tissue regeneration [50]. Topical application of GM combined with PRP has been shown to promote wound healing. The GM+PRP combination ensures sustained VEGF release and has effectively improved full thickness wound healing in rat models [50]. This formulation significantly enhances the formation of microvascular networks and the area containing new capillaries in subcutaneous tissue. Growth factors are immobilized within the acidic gelatin hydrogel, while PRP promotes neovascularization and neo-epithelialization. The isoelectric point of the GMs influences the release rate of adsorbed growth factors, and the degradation rate of the microspheres determines the overall release kinetics. GMs can prolong and enhance cytokine release profile compared to PRP alone, demonstrating more significant healing potential in acute wound scenarios [50].
Freedman noted that bio printed gelatin-alginate hydrogels containing mesenchymal stem cells and an angiogenic source of nitric oxide could accelerate reepithelization and closure in burn wounds [51]. A study using gelatin nanofiber dressings fabricated via centrifugal spinning showed superior mechanical strength and faster wound healing compared to gelatin sponge dressings by accelerating epithelization and collagen deposition, suggesting structural morphology significantly influences gelatin’s clinical performance [52].
Garcia-Orue et al. [20] developed an agar-gelatin hydrofilm incorporating epidermal growth factor and Aloe vera, which exhibited enhanced moisture retention and promoted accelerated healing in excision wound models, further underscoring gelatin’s versatility as a clinically effective wound dressing component. Rusu et al. [7] developed an enzymatically cross-linked gelatin hydrogel incorporating chitosan/polyaspartic acid nanogels, demonstrating remarkable self-healing capacity, mechanical integrity, and pH-responsive amoxicillin release. In addition to exhibiting antimicrobial activity against common wound pathogens, the hydrogel showed excellent in vivo biocompatibility, supporting its application as a smart wound dressing for infected or chronic wounds. In a study by Yi et al. [39], a novel Schiff-base chitosan-fructose quaternary ammonium salt (CS=Fru-DEAE) was synthesized and evaluated for its wound healing potential in a rat model. The derivative demonstrated enhanced solubility, antioxidant capacity, blood compatibility, and effectively promoted collagen III synthesis and inflammatory cell infiltration, resulting in accelerated healing and reduced scarring. Although not derived from gelatin, this study highlights the relevance of natural polymer modification—similar to strategies used in gelatin matrices—for improving biomaterial performance in wound management applications. Tian et al. [53] developed a hydrogen bonding-mediated, phase-transition gelatin-based bioadhesive designed to modulate the immune microenvironment and accelerate wound healing in diabetic models. The bioadhesive demonstrated strong tissue adhesion, effective immune regulation through macrophage phenotype modulation, and enhanced angiogenesis and collagen deposition, leading to significantly improved healing outcomes. This study underscores the potential of structurally engineered gelatin-based systems in addressing the complex pathological of chronic wounds, particularly in diabetic patients.
Table 1 summarizes the wound-healing effects of gelatin in various studies. Gelatin has been shown to enhance wound closure, including diabetic wounds, through several mechanisms: strong adhesion, antibacterial properties, recruitment of inflammatory cells, prolonged release of cytokines, stimulation of angiogenesis, oxygen release, and enhanced cell proliferation and collagen deposition. In several experimental and preclinical studies, depending on wound type and treatment conditions, gelatin-based formulations have demonstrated notable wound closure by approximately 10th days and complete closure in some models within 21 days. The healing process can be further accelerated through advanced gelatin technologies, such as photocrosslinked gelatin hydrogels or GMs infused with growth factors like bFGF and PRP. Essentially, gelatin plays a role in every stage of wound healing and has been clinically proven in various cases, including diabetic wounds, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, skin grafts, and artificial wounds.
Studies regarding the wound healing effects of gelatin
Conclusion
Gelatin has extensive applications across the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and clinical fields. It is a highly valuable and versatile substance in clinical settings, particularly in wound dressings. This has piqued the interest of researchers, prompting further exploration into its efficacy as a wound dressing material. The properties of gelatin—such as promoting hemostasis, exhibiting anti-infective and anti-inflammatory effects, being non-toxic, and facilitating both vascular and epithelial tissue regeneration—render it an outstanding choice for wound care. Gelatin can be formulated into various delivery systems, including hydrogels, microspheres, sponges, and nanofibers, which have shown significant benefits for wound healing. Numerous studies have validated the effectiveness and safety of gelatin in this context. Consequently, incorporating gelatin into wound management protocols may enhance wound healing outcomes.
Notes
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
Acknowledgments
The authors utilized Grammarly AI to assist in the writing process, including proofreading and paraphrasing the text. The authors conducted a thorough review and validation of the text before submission.