Multifunctional copper-based metal-organic frameworks/chitosan derivative/exosome composite sponge for skin healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Traditional wound dressings present challenges in infection control, inflammation regulation, and angiogenesis.
• Advanced biomaterials are needed to overcome these limitations for effective skin regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a composite sponge (CuMOFs/CTMG/Exos) for enhanced skin wound healing.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of copper-based metal-organic frameworks (CuMOFs) and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (hUMSC-Exos) in a wound healing model.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D porous composite sponge using CuMOFs, trimethylolpropane-modified chitosan derivatives (CTMGs), and hUMSC-Exos.
• In vitro assessment of antibacterial activity, ion release kinetics, and antioxidant capacity.
• In vivo evaluation in a rat full-thickness skin-wound model to analyze inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition.

Main Results:

• The composite sponge demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and sustained release of Cu2+ and hUMSC-Exos.
• Significant reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory factors was observed.
• Enhanced angiogenesis and collagen deposition were confirmed in the wound healing model.

Conclusions:

• The CuMOFs/CTMG/Exos composite sponge offers a promising therapeutic strategy for skin wound healing.
• The sponge effectively addresses key challenges including infection, inflammation, and poor vascularization, promoting tissue regeneration.