Enzyme-Mimetic Hydroxyapatite for Diabetic Wound Dressing with Immunomodulation and Collagen Remodeling Functions

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Diabetic chronic wounds exhibit persistent oxidative stress and impaired collagen remodeling, hindering healing.
• Hydroxyapatite (HAp) stimulates collagen remodeling, while carbon dots (CDs) offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties.
• Existing wound dressings often fail to address the complex multifactorial nature of diabetic wound healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel wound dressing integrating HAp and Fe-CDs for enhanced diabetic wound healing.
• To create a flexible, adhesive, and functional wound dressing with ROS scavenging and immunomodulatory capabilities.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of the developed dressing in promoting tissue regeneration and resolving inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of iron-doped CDs-functionalized HAp (CDs-HAp) via a one-step hydrothermal method.
• Embedding CDs-HAp into a dual-cross-linked silk fibroin (DSF) hydrogel to form the wound dressing (CDs-HAp@DSF).
• Evaluation of the dressing's efficacy in vitro (fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, ROS scavenging, macrophage polarization) and in vivo (diabetic wound healing models).

Main Results:

• The CDs-HAp@DSF dressing demonstrated robust ROS scavenging and immunomodulatory functions.
• It facilitated fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis while mitigating oxidative damage.
• In vivo studies showed accelerated diabetic wound healing, enhanced collagen deposition, suppressed inflammation, and a reshaped immune microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• The developed CDs-HAp@DSF wound dressing effectively addresses oxidative stress, inflammation, and ECM dysregulation in diabetic wounds.
• This multifunctional dressing holds significant potential as a therapeutic strategy for chronic diabetic wound healing.
• The synergistic approach of matrix remodeling and enzymatic ROS elimination offers a promising avenue for regenerative medicine.