Multifunctional Cu₂Se/F127 Hydrogel with SOD-Like Enzyme Activity for Efficient Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Free radicals released after skin damage cause oxidative stress, hindering wound healing.
• Developing effective treatments for acute wounds remains a significant challenge in regenerative medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize copper selenide (Cu2Se) nanosheets (NSs) and incorporate them into F127 hydrogels.
• To investigate the efficacy of Cu2Se/F127 hydrogel composite for promoting acute wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Anion-exchange strategy for Cu2Se NS synthesis.
• In vitro assays for superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, radical scavenging, angiogenesis, and fibroblast migration.
• Incorporation of Cu2Se NSs into F127 hydrogel.
• Transcriptomic analysis and animal studies for efficacy and biosafety assessment.

Main Results:

• Cu2Se NSs exhibit potent SOD-like activity and nitrogen radical scavenging capabilities.
• The composite hydrogel effectively promotes angiogenesis and fibroblast migration in vitro.
• Cu2Se/F127 hydrogel demonstrates good biosafety and enhances wound healing in vivo.
• Transcriptomic analysis elucidated the therapeutic mechanisms underlying accelerated wound repair.

Conclusions:

• Cu2Se/F127 hydrogel composite is a promising biomaterial for enhancing acute wound healing.
• The nanozyme-hydrogel system offers sustained action and adaptability to wound morphology.
• This study presents an innovative approach for developing advanced wound dressing materials.