Promoting tissue repair using deferoxamine nanoparticles loaded biomimetic gelatin/HA composite hydrogel

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Soft tissue defects require advanced therapies for effective healing.
• Biodegradable scaffolds incorporating bioactive agents show promise for tissue regeneration, especially vascular repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a composite hydrogel mimicking the extracellular matrix for enhanced tissue regeneration.
• To encapsulate deferoxamine nanoparticles (DFO NPs) within the hydrogel for sustained drug delivery and improved healing outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of crosslinked gelatin-hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels with varying HA ratios.
• Synthesis of DFO NPs using a double emulsion method with poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide acid).
• In vitro cytocompatibility and cell proliferation assays, followed by in vivo subcutaneous implantation and excisional wound healing studies in mice.

Main Results:

• The composite hydrogel exhibited improved mechanical properties, degradation, and porosity compared to gelatin alone.
• DFO NPs demonstrated sustained release over 12 days, with encapsulation extending release to 15 days.
• The DFO NP-loaded hydrogel promoted cell proliferation in vitro, showed biodegradability and tissue integration in vivo, and accelerated wound closure with enhanced neovascularization.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite hydrogel system effectively supports tissue regeneration and wound healing.
• This innovative biomaterial shows significant potential for treating diabetes-induced skin wounds and oral lesions.