Bioabsorbable Magnesium Metal Scaffolds Improve Dermal Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Magnesium is vital for wound repair processes like angiogenesis, nerve growth, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling.
• Existing magnesium delivery systems often use polymers that degrade quickly, limiting sustained therapeutic effects.
• Direct application of bioabsorbable magnesium metal offers sustained ion release and mechanical support for healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of bioabsorbable magnesium wires in promoting dermal wound healing and tissue regeneration.
• To assess the impact of magnesium wires on inflammation, neovascularization, and ECM organization in a murine wound model.

Main Methods:

• Full-thickness skin wounds were created in C57BL/6J mice and treated with WE43B magnesium alloy wires or PBS control.
• Wound healing was assessed on days 7 and 28 using histology, immunohistochemistry, and micro-CT.
• Finite element analysis modeled mechanical strain distribution during wire degradation.

Main Results:

• Magnesium wire treatment significantly enhanced granulation tissue formation, reduced inflammation (fewer leukocytes and macrophages), and increased neovascularization and nerve bundles by day 7.
• By day 28, wounds showed improved collagen organization and epidermal thickness, with increased dermal appendages and vascular density.
• Micro-CT confirmed progressive magnesium wire degradation, and modeling indicated altered mechanical cues influencing tissue remodeling.

Conclusions:

• Bioabsorbable magnesium wires effectively support regenerative wound healing by modulating inflammation and enhancing vascularization.
• Magnesium wires promote favorable ECM remodeling without adverse inflammatory responses.
• These results highlight the potential of magnesium metal in developing novel wound healing therapies.