An adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-loaded polysaccharide hydrogel promotes wound healing through angiogenesis

Wound repair is a coordinated and sequential biological process involving multiple cells and phases, with inflammation, vascularization, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and remodeling being critical stages. Mesenchymal stem cells, capable of sensing the wound microenvironment and secreting cytokines to regulate the repair process, have garnered significant attention in wound repair. This study developed a self-healing polysaccharide-based hydrogel system using two widely sourced polysaccharides. The main components of the hydrogel are oxidized dextran (OD) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). This hydrogel features a simple preparation process and favorable biocompatibility, serving as a carrier for cell culture to enable three-dimensional (3D) cultivation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). Experiments on full-thickness skin defect repair in nude mice demonstrated that the ADSC-loaded polysaccharide hydrogel (OC-ADSCs) significantly promoted wound closure, collagen deposition, epidermal regeneration, as well as angiogenesis and vessel maturation. The OC-ADSC hydrogel can function as a novel cell delivery system, synergistically promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration by modulating the wound microenvironment, showing potential for clinical translation.