Synergistic Micro-Nano Architecture In Silica Fiber Scaffolds Accelerates Wound Healing

Wound healing is an intricate physiological process, with acute and chronic wounds imposing significant burdens on the healthcare systems worldwide. This study reports the development fully biodegradable silica gel fiber (SGF) scaffolds for enhanced skin tissue regeneration. Three types of wound dressings, differing in their structure, are fabricated: pressure-spun silica gel µ-fibers (pSGF) allowing cell penetration, electrospun sub-µ silica gel fibers (eSGF) mimicking an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like sub-µ-structure with narrow mesh sizes allowing no cell ingrowth, and a hybrid scaffold combining both fiber types (peSGF) that combines the advantages of both structures. Comprehensive characterization with different techniques and in-vitro degradation confirmed the complete biodegradation of scaffolds into water-soluble ortho-silicic acid (oSA). In-vitro studies demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, with peSGF showing good fibroblast attachment, proliferation, and cytoskeletal organization compared to other scaffolds. In-vivo studies further corroborated these findings, with peSGF exhibiting accelerated wound contraction, advanced re-epithelialization, and improved vascularization compared to controls. Histopathological analysis highlighted significant tissue regeneration, with peSGF scaffolds promoting collagen deposition and muscle fiber formation while minimizing scar tissue. These results emphasize the potential of peSGF combined with µ-fibers and ECM-like sub-µ-fibers as a promising solution for skin tissue regeneration and wound healing.