pH-sensitive release of antioxidant Se-glycoconjugates through a flexible polymeric patch

In this work, two novel selenium glycoconjugates are proposed as antioxidants to accelerate skin repair. These molecules, designed with more antioxidant sites and improved healing activity, are composed by a selenosugar covalently linked to a caffeic acid or a resveratrol residue. The selenium glycoconjugates have been synthesised and then loaded in a hydrogel flexible film, in order to obtain an active wound dressing. The chemical interaction between the hydrogel and the embedded selenium glycoconjugates can be modulated by the pH values, resulting in a pH-sensitive delivery system. In particular, the caffeic acid-containing compound is released at acute wounds’ pH (7.4), while the resveratrol-containing conjugate is released at pH 9.6, typical of chronic wounds. The specific characteristics of the hydrogel and the antioxidant features of the selenium glycoconjugates, as well as the proven controlled release, candidate the designed system at wound care practices.