An Adhesive Multifunctional Hydrogel for Sequential Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Pro-regenerative Diabetic...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Diabetic wound healing is complicated by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal macrophage responses.
• Current treatments often fall short in addressing the multifaceted nature of these wounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional hydrogel dressing for enhanced diabetic wound repair.
• To incorporate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-regenerative components into a single dressing.

Main Methods:

• A dynamic hydrogel network was created using carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized dextran.
• Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanozymes and astragaloside IV-loaded PLGA microspheres were integrated into the hydrogel.
• The hydrogel's properties and efficacy were evaluated in vitro and in a diabetic rat wound model.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated biocompatibility, potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro.
• It promoted endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, and M2 macrophage polarization in vivo.
• The dressing significantly accelerated wound closure in diabetic rats by reducing inflammation and enhancing neovascularization.

Conclusions:

• This multifunctional hydrogel dressing offers a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing.
• The combination of nanozymes and sustained drug delivery effectively addresses key challenges in diabetic wound repair.