Modified Fish-Skin-Collagen-Based Hydrogels with Antioxidant and Antibacterial Functions for Diabetic Wound Healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Diabetic wounds present a significant challenge due to their complex microenvironment.
• Existing collagen-based hydrogels have limitations in antibacterial properties, mechanical strength, and thermal stability for diabetic wound applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel collagen-based hydrogel (CFP) with enhanced properties for chronic diabetic wound management.
• To investigate the therapeutic effects of the CFP hydrogel, including its antibacterial, self-healing, and photothermal properties.

Main Methods:

• Development of a collagen-based hydrogel (CFP) cross-linked with a protocatechualdehyde-iron(III) complex (PCA@Fe).
• Evaluation of the hydrogel's mechanical properties, thermal stability, self-healing ability, and photothermal effect.
• Assessment of the hydrogel's efficacy in inhibiting ferroptosis, disrupting bacterial iron homeostasis, and promoting angiogenesis and collagen remodeling in diabetic wound models.

Main Results:

• The CFP hydrogel exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, and self-healing capabilities.
• PCA demonstrated ferroptosis inhibition and disrupted bacterial iron homeostasis, while the photothermal effect synergized to reduce bacterial infection.
• The CFP hydrogel promoted angiogenesis and collagen remodeling, significantly accelerating the healing of chronic diabetic wounds.

Conclusions:

• The developed CFP hydrogel is a promising therapeutic agent for chronic diabetic wound management.
• Its unique combination of properties effectively addresses key challenges in diabetic wound healing, including infection and impaired regeneration.