A Dual-Cross-Linked Hydrogel Patch for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Diabetic wound healing presents significant clinical challenges due to impaired inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.
• Existing treatments are often insufficient, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies.
• Hydrogels offer versatile platforms for developing functional wound dressings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory hydrogel patch for enhanced diabetic wound healing.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of a dual-cross-linked Bletilla Striata polysaccharide and gelatin (B-G) hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dual-cross-linked B-G hydrogel patch using methacryloyl-substituted Bletilla Striata polysaccharide and gelatin via UV light.
• In vitro assessment of macrophage phenotype regulation (M1/M2), fibroblast proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.
• In vivo evaluation of wound closure, epidermal regeneration, and collagen deposition in a diabetic wound model.

Main Results:

• The B-G hydrogel effectively modulated macrophage polarization towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.
• Significant promotion of fibroblast proliferation and migration, alongside accelerated angiogenesis, was observed in vitro.
• In vivo studies demonstrated accelerated wound closure with normalized tissue regeneration and appropriate collagen deposition, without external growth factors.

Conclusions:

• The developed B-G bioactive hydrogel patch demonstrates significant potential for promoting diabetic wound healing.
• The hydrogel acts through regulating inflammatory responses and enhancing key cellular processes involved in tissue repair.
• This approach offers a simple, economical, effective, and safe method for managing chronic diabetic wounds.