Hydrogel-Delivered Recombinant Fibronectin DK1 Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing by Boosting Cellular Responses

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Diabetic wounds present significant clinical challenges due to inflammation and poor tissue regeneration.
• Fibronectin is vital for wound repair, but its therapeutic applications using recombinant forms are underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, express, and purify recombinant fibronectin variants for wound healing.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a recombinant fibronectin DK1-loaded hydrogel in a diabetic wound model.

Main Methods:

• Three recombinant fibronectin variants (D89, D8910, DK1) were created and tested in vitro.
• DK1 was incorporated into a hydrogel for delivery in a diabetic mouse wound model.
• Wound closure, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess repair.

Main Results:

• DK1 showed superior in vitro cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration.
• The DK1-hydrogel exhibited cytocompatibility, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
• DK1 significantly accelerated diabetic wound closure, enhancing re-epithelialization, collagen remodeling, and angiogenesis while reducing inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Recombinant fibronectin DK1 effectively promotes diabetic wound healing.
• Hydrogel-mediated delivery enhances DK1's therapeutic potential for chronic wounds.