Shikonin and Co²⁺ self-assembled nanoparticles promote diabetic wound healing via antioxidant effects

This study successfully constructed shikonin-Co nanoparticles (Co-Shik NPs) and systematically evaluated their healing effects on diabetic wounds. The nanoparticles, prepared via a self-assembly method, exhibited uniform particle size and stable structure. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the material showed no cytotoxicity at a concentration of 16 mg/L, significantly scavenged reactive oxygen species, and reduced the H₂O₂-induced apoptosis rate from 25.1% to 10.31%. Animal experiments revealed that the nanoparticle-treated group achieved a wound healing rate of 95% by day 12, which was significantly superior to the control group. Co-Shik NPs effectively modulated inflammatory factors (reducing IL-1β and TNF-α, elevating IL-10), alleviated oxidative stress, and promoted collagen deposition and epidermal regeneration. This study provides a novel material for diabetic wound treatment, deepens the understanding of the biological activities of natural product-metal complexes, and holds significant theoretical value and application prospects.