Electrospun Scaffold Co-Modified with YIGSR Peptide and Heparin for Enhanced Skin Wound Healing

Angiogenesis is a critical step in biomaterial-assisted skin tissue regeneration, as it ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the wound site, facilitating cellular proliferation and tissue remodeling. Electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin (PG) scaffolds exhibit good biocompatibility and biodegradability; however, their bio-inert nature limits their applications. To enhance the angiogenic properties of PG scaffolds, this study aimed to develop a novel biomaterial by co-modifying electrospun PG scaffolds (PGHY) with YIGSR peptide and heparin. YIGSR, a laminin-derived peptide, serves as an endothelial cell-specific adhesion sequence, while heparin acts as a peptide reservoir, facilitating retention and controlled release. In vitro experiments demonstrated that among three peptide-loading concentrations, PGHY_1.0 scaffold exhibited stable peptide release and promoted endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation via the FAK/MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. In vivo results further confirmed that the PGHY_1.0 scaffold enhanced angiogenesis in murine dorsal skin defects, accelerating wound healing. Overall, the PGHY_1.0 scaffold, with its excellent biocompatibility and pro-angiogenic properties, presents a promising therapeutic strategy for skin tissue regeneration.