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Optimizing Extracellular Vesicle Delivery Using a Core-Sheath 3D-Bioprinted Scaffold for Chronic Wound Management
Published on: February 28, 2025
Stem cell-derived nanovesicles delivered by responsive hydrogels for refractory wound therapy
Meijiao Zhao1, Genghong Guo2, Ronghua Yang3
1School of Engineering Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, P. R. China. chenxu@kmmu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
The dynamic microenvironment of refractory wounds comprises a complex pathological system characterized by interconnected factors, such as persistent infection, chronic inflammation, and impaired tissue repair. These pathological cues substantially hinder the healing process and negatively impact patients' quality of life. Stem cell-derived nanovesicles (SC-NVs) offer a variety of reparative functions, including antimicrobial activity, immunomodulation, angiogenesis, enhanced cellular proliferation and migration, and scarless healing, thereby demonstrating substantial potential for tissue regeneration. However, topical administration of nanovesicles is limited by poor tissue retention and rapid clearance, which constrain therapeutic efficacy and necessitate repeated dosing. Hydrogels, by virtue of their excellent biocompatibility, high water content, and tunable physicochemical properties, represent promising drug delivery vehicles. This review systematically examines the microenvironmental features of refractory wounds and the therapeutic mechanisms of SC-NVs in counteracting them to promote healing. Notably, nanovesicles can be loaded by smart hydrogel systems to respond to wound microenvironmental cues and allow for on-demand release via dynamic bond cleavage or structural transformation, thereby augmenting therapeutic precision. Finally, we discuss key challenges in the clinical translation of these integrated platforms and outline their future applications in precision diagnostics and therapeutics for refractory wounds.
Insights
Stem cell-derived nanovesicles (SC-NVs) show promise for healing refractory wounds. Integrating SC-NVs into smart hydrogels improves their delivery and therapeutic precision for better wound repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Refractory wounds present a complex microenvironment with infection, inflammation, and impaired repair, significantly impacting patient quality of life.
- Stem cell-derived nanovesicles (SC-NVs) possess inherent reparative properties beneficial for tissue regeneration, including antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of refractory wound microenvironments.
- To explore the therapeutic mechanisms of SC-NVs in addressing these challenges.
- To examine the potential of hydrogel-based delivery systems for SC-NVs in enhancing wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of current literature on refractory wound microenvironments.
- Analysis of SC-NV therapeutic functions and limitations in topical delivery.
- Investigation of smart hydrogel systems for controlled SC-NV release.
Main Results:
- SC-NVs offer multifaceted therapeutic benefits for tissue regeneration.
- Topical SC-NV administration faces challenges with retention and clearance, limiting efficacy.
- Smart hydrogels enable on-demand SC-NV release, improving therapeutic precision by responding to wound cues.
Conclusions:
- Integrating SC-NVs with smart hydrogels presents a promising strategy for refractory wound treatment.
- Further research is needed to overcome clinical translation challenges for these advanced therapeutic platforms.
- Future applications include precision diagnostics and therapeutics for refractory wounds.
