Hydrogel patch with pretreated stem cells accelerates wound closure in diabetic rats

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Diabetic wound healing is impaired, leading to complications.
• Current treatments for diabetic wounds have limitations.
• Advanced therapies using biomaterials and stem cells show promise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a chitosan/polyethylene glycol hydrogel patch containing fibroblast growth factor 21-pretreated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for diabetic wound healing.
• To assess the biocompatibility and efficacy of the developed hydrogel patch in a diabetic rat model.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan/polyethylene glycol hydrogel patches were fabricated.
• Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were pretreated with fibroblast growth factor 21 in a hyperglycemic environment.
• Hydrogel patches laden with pretreated stem cells were applied to diabetic rat wounds.
• Wound closure was assessed, and hydrogel properties were characterized using SEM and FTIR.

Main Results:

• The chitosan/polyethylene glycol hydrogel patches demonstrated good biocompatibility and stem cell recruitment.
• Application of the hydrogel patches significantly accelerated wound closure in diabetic rats.
• Hydrogel patches incorporating fibroblast growth factor 21-pretreated stem cells showed enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan/polyethylene glycol hydrogel patches loaded with FGF21-pretreated BMSCs effectively improve diabetic wound healing in rats.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for managing diabetic wounds.
• Further research in larger animal models is warranted before clinical trials.