A multifunctional injectable hydrogel accelerates infected diabetic wound healing by modulating the wound...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Diabetic wound healing is impaired by bacterial infection and oxidative stress.
• Current treatments face challenges in regulating the wound microenvironment.
• Promoting angiogenesis is crucial for effective diabetic wound repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional injectable hydrogel for diabetic wound healing.
• To investigate the hydrogel's ability to address key challenges like infection and oxidative stress.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's efficacy in promoting angiogenesis and overall wound repair.

Main Methods:

• Schiff base crosslinking of dihydrocaffeic acid-modified chitosan (HCA) and oxidized dextran (ODX) to form a 3D hydrogel (CSDX3).
• Incorporation of copper ions for controlled sustained release.
• In vitro assessment of antibacterial, ROS scavenging, and angiogenic properties.
• In vivo evaluation of the hydrogel's effect on diabetic wound healing in animal models.

Main Results:

• The CSDX3 hydrogel demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against wound pathogens.
• It effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitigating oxidative stress.
• In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the hydrogel's potent angiogenic properties.
• CSDX3 accelerated diabetic wound healing by reducing inflammation and enhancing collagen deposition.

Conclusions:

• The developed CSDX3 hydrogel is a promising multifunctional therapeutic for diabetic wound management.
• Its ability to control infection, oxidative stress, and promote angiogenesis offers a novel treatment strategy.
• This injectable hydrogel represents an effective option for improving outcomes in diabetic wound healing.