3D-Bioprinting of ROS-Responsive Curcumin-Loaded Hydrogel Scaffolds via Low-Temperature Extrusion for Enhancing...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chronic wounds, like diabetic ulcers, require advanced dressings that support cellular adhesion and controlled drug delivery.
• Existing treatments often fail to address the complex inflammatory and oxidative environment of chronic wounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional, 3D-printed scaffold for enhanced chronic wound healing.
• To create reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin for targeted drug release.
• To engineer a biocompatible bioink for precise 3D printing of wound scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ROS-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers encapsulating curcumin.
• Formulation of a thixotropic bioink for 3D printing at near-physiological temperatures.
• In vitro evaluation of biocompatibility, cellular adhesion, and oxidative stress alleviation.
• In vivo assessment of scaffold efficacy in a murine diabetic wound model.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed scaffolds demonstrated ROS-triggered curcumin release and intrinsic radical-scavenging activity.
• In vitro studies showed excellent biocompatibility, supporting fibroblast and macrophage adhesion and reducing oxidative stress.
• In vivo studies in a diabetic wound model accelerated wound closure by reducing inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, and enhancing collagen deposition.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-printed, ROS-responsive curcumin-loaded scaffold is a promising strategy for treating chronic wounds, especially diabetic ulcers.
• This integrated approach preserves drug activity and printing fidelity, offering a multifunctional solution for wound management.
• The scaffold's ability to combine biocompatibility with targeted therapeutic release represents a significant advancement in regenerative medicine.