Collagen-based hydrogel encapsulated with SDF-1α microspheres accelerate diabetic wound healing in rats

Diabetic wounds are a common complication in diabetic patients, often characterized by impaired healing and tissue repair processes. The use of advanced biomaterials such as collagen-based hydrogels as carriers for therapeutic agents has gained significant attention in accelerating wound healing. In this regard, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α microspheres, a chemotactic factor that attracts stem cells, can effectively direct regenerative cells to the wound site, enhancing the healing process. This study investigates the potential of collagen-based hydrogels derived from amniotic membrane (AMCh) encapsulated with SDF-1α microspheres in promoting the healing of diabetic wounds in rats. Sixty rats were randomly assigned. In addition to non-diabetic rats (control group), the diabetic rats were randomly divided into non-treated (diabetic) group, AMCh treated group, and AMCh encapsulated with SDF-1α microspheres (AMCh + SM) group. Sampling was done on days 7, 14, and 21 for further evaluations. The results demonstrated significant improvements in wound closure, fibroblast and blood vessel counts, collagen density, and the gene expression of TGF-β and VEGF, as well as tensiometrical parameters in the treatment groups compared to the diabetic group, with more pronounced effects observed in the AMCh + SM group (p < 0.05). The AMCh + SM group showed the most notable effects, including a larger reduction in neutrophil and mast cell counts, as well as lower expression levels of TNF-α and IL-1β genes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, AMCh encapsulated with SDF-1α microspheres had the most pronounced effect in promoting the healing of diabetic wounds.