Apigenin Self-Assembled Collagen Biomatrix for Reprogramming the Obese Wound Microenvironment for Its Management and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Obesity complicates wound healing due to excessive exudates, pressure ulcerations, and poor vascularity.
• Altered wound microenvironments in obese individuals require specialized regenerative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biomaterial for reprogramming the obese wound microenvironment.
• To create a self-assembled collagen biomatrix with apigenin for soft tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a self-assembled collagen biomatrix with apigenin.
• Characterization of the biomatrix's thermal, mechanical, and biological properties.
• In vivo wound healing assays in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.

Main Results:

• The apigenin-collagen biomatrix demonstrated superior exudate absorption and mimicked the extracellular matrix.
• Biomaterial triggered localized thermogenesis, promoting angiogenesis and fibroblast activity.
• In vivo studies showed accelerated tissue regeneration within 9 days, with reduced inflammation and enhanced vascularization.

Conclusions:

• The apigenin-self-assembled collagen biomatrix effectively reprograms the obese wound bed.
• This regenerative biomaterial shows significant potential for faster wound healing in obese patients.