A Multifunctional Hydrogel Incorporating Luteolin-Encapsulated ROS-Responsive Nanoparticles and Stem Cells Promotes...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Chronic wounds present a significant clinical challenge, often exacerbated by infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
• Current moist wound dressings dominate the market, but novel therapeutic strategies are needed.
• Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) show promise for tissue regeneration and wound repair due to their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel composite hydrogel incorporating luteolin nanoparticles and ADSCs for enhanced wound healing.
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of this composite hydrogel in modulating the wound microenvironment and promoting tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Development of a chitosan/alginate hydrogel (GelCA) encapsulating ADSCs.
• Coating the hydrogel with luteolin-loaded nanoparticles (LUT@NPs) to create GelCA@LUT@ADSCs.
• In vitro and in vivo assessments of the composite hydrogel's efficacy in wound healing.

Main Results:

• The GelCA hydrogel demonstrated excellent biocompatibility.
• Sustained release of luteolin nanoparticles modulated the wound microenvironment, enhancing ADSC functions.
• GelCA@LUT@ADSCs treatment effectively reduced inflammation, promoted angiogenesis and collagen deposition, and stimulated cell proliferation.
• Treatment polarized macrophages to an M2 phenotype, accelerating wound healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed GelCA@LUT@ADSCs composite hydrogel represents a novel and effective strategy for wound management.
• This approach leverages a synergistic interaction between luteolin nanoparticles and ADSCs for accelerated tissue repair.
• The study provides a promising therapeutic avenue for challenging chronic wounds.