Magnesium-loaded carbon quantum dots in polycaprolactone scaffolds enhance angiogenesis and accelerate wound healing:
Tannaz Afshin1, Saber Zahri1, Arash Abdolmaleki2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
Abstract:
Wound healing and tissue regeneration are critical challenges, particularly in chronic conditions such as diabetes, where impaired angiogenesis often delays recovery. In this study, a novel bioactive wound dressing was developed by synthesizing magnesium-loaded carbon quantum dots (Mg-CQDs) and incorporating them into polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun scaffolds. CQDs were prepared hydrothermally and subsequently bonded with Mg²⁺ ions via ionic interaction, forming nanocomposites with enhanced fluorescence and bioactivity. Characterization confirmed their structural integrity and surface modification. In vitro scratch assays using PC12 cells demonstrated significantly improved cell migration with Mg-CQD treatment. In ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays showed enhanced neovascularization, and in vivo wound healing studies in rats revealed accelerated tissue regeneration, increased epithelialization, and collagen deposition in Mg-CQD-treated groups compared to controls. Compared to the reference group, VLDM enhancements ranged from 0.611 % to 0.749 % for the CQD group and from 0.802 % to 1.19 % for the CQD-Mg group. These results suggest that Mg-CQD-loaded PCL scaffolds offer a multifunctional platform for promoting angiogenesis and wound repair, combining structural support with targeted ion delivery and potential theranostic applications.
Related Concept Videos
Phases of Wound Repair
Formation of Blood Clot
In case of deep injuries, trauma to blood vessels results in blood loss. In the meantime, phospholipids released from the ruptured endothelial cellular membrane are converted into arachidonic...
Introduction to Hemostasis
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized, and...
Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
Coagulation
During the coagulation phase, clotting factors, or procoagulants, play a vital role in initiating and progressing the coagulation cascade. This cascade is a series of reactions...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis


