Forskolin-loaded carboxymethyl chitosan and silk nonofiber hydrogels composite scaffolds improve skin regeneration

Hydrogel is a kind of carrier of powerful therapeutic bioactive molecules. Here, carboxymethyl chitosan-silk nanofiber (CCSF) composite hydrogels loaded with a small molecule compound, Forskolin, were prepared to achieve sustained release of the small molecule drug for promoting wound healing. In vitro, investigations confirmed that the innovative composite dressing is non-toxic and cyto-compatible. Specifically, it can encourage the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mouse dermis fibroblasts, and inhibit the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. The capacity of cell migration in myofibroblasts was restrained, also implying less scarring in vivo. Skin wound regeneration results showed that the Forskolin-loaded compound hydrogel accelerated wound closure, enhanced neovascularization, and promoted hair follicle regeneration. The multiple-material delivery system shows a promising application in skin wound repair.