Reactive Oxygen Species-Scavenging Nanosystems in the Treatment of Diabetic Wounds

Bacterial membrane-anchored lipopeptide/MXene nanoplatform for tri-modal therapy toward bacteria-infected diabetic wound

Diabetic wound healing is extremely difficult, originating from the aspects of bacterial infection, continuous inflammation, hypoxia and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), etc. Consequently, multifunctional nanoplatforms capable of highly eliminating bacteria, scavenging ROS and promoting angiogenesis possess a promising prospect. This work reports our fabrication of lipopeptide/Ti3C2Tx MXene nanohybrid to cure bacteria-infected diabetic wounds. Ti3C2Tx nanosheet has been employed to disrupt the bacterial membrane through both the physical puncture mediated by direct contact and mild-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT) due to its excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. Moreover, it exhibits the capacities of ROS scavenging and pro-angiogenesis during the diabetic wound healing process. Positively charged lipopeptide integration on 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene improves the contact of Ti3C2Tx nanosheet with negative bacterial membrane for membrane-anchoring. More importantly, drug-free lipopeptide shows antibacterial capacity, which compensates the decline in therapeutic efficacy of mild-temperature PTT because of its inferior heat intensity. The cooperation between 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene and therapeutic lipopeptide allows for the effective cure on bacteria-infected diabetic wound.

Recent advances in smart hydrogels derived from polysaccharides and their applications for wound dressing and healing

Owing to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, hydrogels derived from polysaccharides have emerged as promising candidates for wound management. However, the complex nature of wound healing often requires the development of smart hydrogels---intelligent materials capable of responding dynamically to specific physical or chemical stimuli. Over the past decade, an increasing number of stimuli-responsive polysaccharide-based hydrogels have been developed to treat various types of wounds. While a range of hydrogel types and their versatile functions for wound management have been discussed in the literature, there is still a need for a review of the crosslinking strategies used to create smart hydrogels from polysaccharides. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how stimuli-responsive hydrogels can be designed and made using five key polysaccharides: chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, dextran, and cellulose. Various methods, such as chemical crosslinking, dynamic crosslinking, and physical crosslinking, which are used to form networks within these hydrogels, ultimately determine their ability to respond to stimuli, have been explored. This article further looks at different polysaccharide-based hydrogel wound dressings that can respond to factors such as reactive oxygen species, temperature, pH, glucose, light, and ultrasound in the wound environment and discusses how these responses can enhance wound healing. Finally, this review provides insights into how stimuli-responsive polysaccharide-based hydrogels can be developed further as advanced wound dressings in the future.

Multifunctional dual-layer microneedles loaded with selenium-doped carbon quantum dots and Astilbin for ameliorating diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds (DW) represent a significant clinical challenge due to chronic inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, and impaired angiogenesis, all of which hinder effective tissue regeneration. Existing drug delivery systems often fail to achieve sustained and targeted therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we developed a novel dissolvable dual-layer methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) microneedle (MN) co-loading selenium-doped carbon quantum dots (Se-CQDs) and Astilbin (AST) for enhanced DW treatment. The outer layer, enriched with Se-CQDs, rapidly scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively alleviating oxidative stress at the wound site. Sequentially, the inner layer releases AST, exerting potent anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects. Preliminary findings suggest these effects may involve the modulation of cytoskeletal dynamics and peroxisome function, contributing to endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. This controlled, sequential release MN establishes a low-oxidative, anti-inflammatory microenvironment, thereby promoting angiogenesis and accelerating wound repair. The pioneering integration of selenium-doped quantum dots and AST-loaded hydrogels offers a synergistic therapeutic strategy, setting a new standard for advanced diabetic wound care with substantial clinical promise.

Accurate Delivery of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids With Platelet-Rich Fibrin Shield: Enhancing Survival and Repair Functions of Sp-MSCs in Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetic wound is a significant clinical challenge, and stem cell therapy has shown great potential. This study explores the role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids (Sp-MSCs) in healing diabetic wounds and the use of autologous plasma-rich platelet fibrin (PRF) as a scaffold for Sp-MSCs. Through activation of the coagulation system, PRF offers a protective fibrin shield for Sp-MSCs to promote the rapid recovery migration and proliferation of MSCs while maintaining the activity of Sp-MSCs in an inflammatory overload environment by activating the related genes of Integrin-β1-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. The inclusion of Sp-MSCs accelerates the gelation of PRF and results in improved mechanical strength. Additionally, PRF enhances the repair function of Sp-MSCs, creating a favorable microenvironment for angiogenesis. In the wound model of diabetic mice, the combination of PRF with Sp-MSCs accelerates wound healing. Results show that this combination significantly promotes wound repair and regulates the immune microenvironment. The study suggests that PRF is a promising bio-derived scaffold for stem cell applications in diabetic wounds, offering new directions for stem cell therapy and biomimetic scaffold material development.

From Hemostasis to Angiogenesis: A Self-Healing Hydrogel Loaded with Copper Sulfide-Based Nanoenzyme for Whole-Process Management of Diabetic Wounds

Diabetic wounds pose considerable healing challenges due to factors such as impaired angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, and bacterial infections. In this study, we synthesized copper sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) using sericin as a biotemplate and functionalized them with tannic acid-Fe (TA-Fe) metal-phenolic network coatings to create CuS-based nanoenzymes (CuS-Se@TA-Fe NPs). These NPs were integrated into a composite hydrogel formed from polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl chitosan, and borax. The hydrogen bonding between polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethyl chitosan, combined with the borate ester bonds from borax and the electrostatic interactions with CuS-Se@TA-Fe NPs, resulted in a hydrogel with remarkable adhesion, self-healing capabilities, and shape retention (PCCuT hydrogel). Additionally, the PCCuT hydrogel demonstrated superoxide dismutase and catalase mimetic activities to eliminate excess free radicals, along with excellent photothermal conversion and antimicrobial properties due to the photothermal effect. Both in vitro and in vivo investigations indicated that the PCCuT hydrogel could enhance angiogenesis and promote the transformation of macrophages into the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. Notably, in a rat model of diabetic wound infection, the hydrogel exhibited substantial wound-healing benefits. In summary, the PCCuT hydrogel holds promise for advancing the treatment of diabetic wounds complicated by infection.

Baicalein based nano-delivery system restores mitochondrial homeostasis through PPAR signaling pathway to promote wound healing in diabetes

Wound healing in diabetes is a substantial clinical challenge due to the hyperglycemic microenvironment, high pH, bacterial infection, persistent inflammation, and impaired cellular functions, attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we have developed an injectable photo-crosslinking nanocomposite hydrogel (BA/GOx@ZIF-8@GelMA, BGZ@GelMA) with baicalein (BA) and glucose oxidase (GOx) loaded Zinc metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) based on methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) to accelerate diabetic infected wound healing by regulating subcellular and cellular functions. The combination of ZIF-8 and BA gives the hydrogel excellent antibacterial properties. A high blood sugar environment triggers the release of GOx in BGZ@GelMA, reducing local glucose and pH, producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and releasing BA and Zinc ions (Zn2+). This process provides a suitable microenvironment for wound healing. Zn2+ can significantly inhibit the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Escherichia coli (E.coli). The released BA can clear ROS in cells and mitochondria, restore mitochondrial function and stability, and make the hydrogel fundamentally improve the cell function damage induced by hyperglycemia, and ultimately promote cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. In general, our multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel provides a new strategy for diabetes wound healing at the subcellular and cellular functional levels.

A highly transparent dopamine-copolymerized hydrogel with enhanced ROS-scavenging and tissue-adhesive properties for chronic diabetic wounds

Chronic diabetic wounds with complex symptoms represent a major challenge in clinical practice, causing a serious threat to human health and life. Excessive oxidative stress and persistent inflammatory responses are the important reasons for the long-term difficult healing of diabetic wounds. Designing wound dressing materials with intrinsic antioxidant performance, high transparency, adhesiveness, and favorable mechanical properties is of great significance for promoting wound healing, especially in movable parts. Here, a dopamine-copolymerized highly transparent antioxidant hydrogel was developed for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds. The hydrogel was easily prepared via free radical polymerization using acrylated dopamine monomer (ADA), acrylamide (AM), and phenylboronic acid modified dextran (DP). The dynamic phenylborate ester bonds formed between the catechol of polydopamine and phenylboronic acid effectively mitigated the darkening of the hydrogel color caused by the auto-oxidation of catechol, resulting in the PAM/PDA/DP hydrogel (DP3) with durable transparency. In addition, this hydrogel had good adhesiveness and mechanical properties, as well as desirable reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging performance. Furthermore, in vivo results demonstrated that DP3 hydrogel can stimulate the polarization of macrophages toward anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, so as to smooth the transition of wound healing from the inflammatory phase to the proliferative phase, and accelerate the repair of diabetic wounds by promoting angiogenesis and collagen deposition. Therefore, the DP3 hydrogel holds great potential for remolding the tissue regeneration microenvironment and serving as a promising dressing for chronic diabetic wounds. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Polydopamine (PDA)-based hydrogels have been widely explored. However, existing PDA-based hydrogels suffer from low content of catechol groups and inferior transparency, and are prone to oxidation darkening during storage. In this study, a dopamine-copolymerized hydrogel with high catechol content was developed. The catechol groups are partially protected by phenylboronic acid-modified dextran, resulting in durable transparency and good adhesiveness of the hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibits desirable antioxidant performance and can effectively promote chronic diabetic wound healing by relieving oxidative stress and regulating immune function. This highly transparent hydrogel with intrinsic antioxidation and self-adhesiveness properties represents a potential and effective strategy for chronic wound management.

Local delivery of siRNA using lipid-based nanocarriers with ROS-scavenging ability for accelerated chronic wound healing in diabetes

Diabetic wound healing poses a significant clinical challenge with limited therapeutic efficacy due to uncontrolled reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory responses, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation caused by abnormal macrophage activity in the wound microenvironment. To address these concerns, we propose a novel formulation that combines Tempo-conjugated lipid with the commercially cationic lipid DOTAP to expedite diabetic wound healing through targeted siRNA delivery (cLpT@siRNA) and restoration of the wound microenvironment. The developed cLpT@siRNA nanocomplexes effectively scavenge excessive ROS levels, facilitate polarization of proinflammatory M1 macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, and suppress MMP9 gene expression in macrophages. In the ICR mouse model of diabetic wounds, cLpT@siRNA nanocomplexes significantly accelerate wound healing, promoting neovascularization and collagen deposition. Overall, the cLpT@siRNA nanocomplexes based on antioxidant and cationic lipids provide a promising strategy for delivering siRNA in diabetic wound treatment and hold great potential for clinical translation.

Aldose reductase -mediated HUR ubiquitination enhances exosome release and hepatic fibrosis via ROS/PI3K/AKT pathway

INTRODUCTION

Liver fibrosis is caused by the activation of hepatic stellate cells due to various reasons. Our previous research has shown that aldose reductase (AR) played an important role in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and liver regeneration.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of AR in the progression of liver fibrosis induced by various factors.

METHODS

AR expression was detected in liver tissue of fibrosis patients and mouse models. The role and mechanism of AR in fibrosis progression were investigated in AR knockout mice and cell lines.

RESULTS

AR expression was increased in liver from patients with fibrosis and mouse models. The knockout of AR protected against CCL4 or HFD induced liver injury and development of fibrosis. Furthermore, AR promoted ubiquitization degradation of HUR through competitive binding with OTUB1, thereby exacerbating the accumulation of ROS, and ultimately activating PI3K/AKT pathway. The impaired autophagolysosome resulted in the massive release of exosomes, which activated stellate cells by regulating PTP4a1/SMAD3 pathway. The hepatocyte specific recovery of AR in AR knockout mice aggravated ROS damage and fibrosis, while recovery of HUR in wild-type mice reduced ROS damage and fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, these findings suggest that AR might be a promising therapeutic target for treating liver fibrosis.

Accelerating Interface NIR-Induced Charge Transfer Through Cu and Black Phosphorus Modifying G-C3N4 for Rapid Healing of Staphylococcus aureus Infected Diabetic Ulcer Wounds

Bacteria-infected diabetic wounds seriously threaten the lives of patients because diabetic ulcer tissues are quite difficult to repair while the bacteria infections deteriorate this course. Clinically used antibiotics cannot fulfil this mission but introduce the risk of bacterial resistance simultaneously. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive composite hydrogel is developed for rapid bacterial eradication and healing of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-infected diabetic wounds. The hydrogel incorporates copper (Cu)-doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets combined with black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets through electrostatic bonding and π-π stacking interactions, uniformly dispersed within a chitosan (CS) matrix crosslinked with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (Cu-CN/BP@Gel). Under NIR light irradiation, Cu-doping accelerated hot electron flow and improved the photothermal effect. Additionally, the built-in electric field formed by Cu-CN/BP accelerated interfacial electron flow and inhibited the recombination of electron-hole pairs, enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Then, Cu-CN/BP@Gel hydrogel can reach the antibacterial rate of 99.18% against S. aureus. The successful application of the Cu-CN/BP@Gel hydrogel in diabetic wound infection presents a new method for wound healing in a high blood sugar and ROS environment.

A self-assembly enzyme-like hydrogel with ROS scavenging and immunomodulatory capability for microenvironment-responsive wound healing acceleration

On-demand responsive hydrogels are a promising solution for effective wound management as they can adjust their properties in response to changes in the wound environment, allowing them to provide tailored support for the healing process. However, the conventional hydrogels may not fully meet the diverse demands of the intricate healing process. Herein, a novel glycyrrhizic acid (GA) based self-assembly hydrogel coordinated with copper and polyphenol (GCP hydrogel) was developed to exhibit triggered release behavior in response to the microenvironment. The GCP hydrogel coordinated with copper and protocatechuic acid (PA) and self-assembled with GA, also exhibits enzyme-like properties by mimicking the cascade process of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the on-demand release of Cu2+ at different stages of the wound healing process can not only enhance the antibacterial ability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) but also intelligently promote angiogenesis with outstanding biocompatibility. In addition, the GCP hydrogel effectively modulated the activity of macrophages in response to inflammatory stimuli, exhibiting remarkable anti-inflammatory abilities and promoting tissue regeneration. The multifunctional GCP hydrogel platform has the potential to create a dynamic microenvironment that is conducive to tissue regeneration, making it an ideal candidate for smart wound management.

AuCu@CuO2 Aerogels with H2O2/O2 Self-Supplying and Quadruple Enzyme-Like Activity for MRSA-Infected Diabetic Wound Management

Diabetic wound healing presents serious clinical challenges due to the unique wound microenvironment characterized by hyperglycemia, bacterial infection, excessive oxidative stress, and hypoxia. Herein, a copper peroxide (CuO2)-coated AuCu bimetallic aerogel is developed that exhibits quadruple enzyme-mimicking activity and H2O2/O2 self-supplying to modulate the complex microenvironment of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected diabetic wounds. The AuCu@CuO2 aerogels demonstrate favorable photothermal properties and mimic four enzyme-like activities: peroxidase-like activity for producing toxic reactive oxygen species; catalase-like activity for decomposing H2O2 to release O2 to relieve oxidative stress and hypoxia; glucose oxidase-like activity for reducing excessive blood glucose and glutathione peroxidase-like activity for balancing abnormal glutathione level. The CuO2 coating facilitates a continuous and adequate in situ production of H2O2 within the mildly acidic infection microenvironment, enabling excellent antibacterial activity and reduced blood glucose levels during the initial treatment of infected diabetic wounds. Furthermore, the engineered AuCu@CuO2 aerogels not only scavenge elevated ROS during the inflammatory phase but also synergistically generate oxygen to promote wound healing. Overall, the AuCu@CuO2 aerogelsmicroenvironment can be activated by the diabetic wound infection microenvironments, alleviating inflammation, reducing hypoxia, lowering blood glucose levels, and enhancing angiogenesis and collagen fiber accumulation, thereby significantly improving diabetic wound healing.

OTUD1 delays wound healing by regulating endothelial function and angiogenesis in diabetic mice

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic non-healing wounds represent a major complication of diabetes, primarily due to impaired angiogenesis. Ovarian tumor deubiquitinase 1 (OTUD1), a deubiquitinase, has been implicated in vascular pathophysiology; however, its role in endothelial dysfunction and angiogenesis during diabetic wound healing is still poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

This study explores whether OTUD1 influences angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We developed OTUD1 knockout mice and induced type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM) by administering streptozotocin (STZ) alone or in combination with a high-fat diet (HFD), respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) incubated with high glucose and palmitic acid (HG + PA) were utilized to imitate hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro. Mass spectrometry combined with immunoprecipitation analysis was used to analyze the interacting proteins of OTUD1. Moreover, we developed endothelial-specific OTUD1 knockdown db/db mice using an adeno-associated virus serotype 2/BI30 (AAV2/BI30) vector.

RESULTS

Increased OTUD1 expressions were observed both in diabetic wound tissues and in HUVECs treated with HG + PA. OTUD1 deficiency promoted angiogenesis and fibrosis in wound tissues of T1DM and T2DM mice and alleviated HG + PA-induced endothelial migration inhibition, tube formation impairment, and oxidative stress in HUVECs. Mechanistically, OTUD1 directly interacted with β-catenin, reducing its K63-linked ubiquitination at residues K496, K508, and K625 via its catalytic site C320. This modification facilitated β-catenin phosphorylation, restricted its nuclear translocation, and downregulated the expression of angiogenesis-related factors. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin reversed the improvement of delayed wound healing induced by OTUD1 knockdown in db/db mice.

CONCLUSION

These findings elucidate the OTUD1-β-catenin pathway's role in endothelial dysfunction-associated angiogenesis and suggest OTUD1 as a promising therapeutic target for diabetic non-healing wounds.

In Situ H2S-Releasing Stents Optimize Vascular Healing

Stent implantation remains a cornerstone of interventional cardiology, providing a minimally invasive solution to restore blood flow in occluded vessels. However, current stents face persistent challenges in simultaneously preventing neointimal hyperplasia and promoting reendothelialization, compromising their long-term efficacy. To address these limitations, we developed an in situ H2S-releasing polymer brush-coated stent that actively modulates material-blood interactions, creating a favorable microenvironment for vascular healing. H2S enhances the stent's antithrombotic properties by inhibiting fibrinogen binding and platelet activation, while also mitigating oxidative stress and promoting macrophage polarization toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. In vivo, the H2S-releasing stents significantly improved vascular healing by accelerating endothelialization and inhibiting smooth muscle cell overproliferation, resulting in a thinner neointima with functional endothelial coverage. Transcriptomic analysis further elucidated the underlying mechanisms, revealing H2S-mediated modulation of key biological pathways that support vascular healing. These findings underscore the potential of in situ H2S release as an effective strategy for optimizing vascular implants and improving long-term outcomes.

Self-Healing Hydrogel Dressing with Solubilized Flavonoids for Whole Layer Regeneration of Diabetic Wound

Hydrogels are soft, tissue-like materials that have great potential as wound dressings. However, most hydrogels are unsatisfactory in achieving whole-layer regeneration of diabetic wounds due to the complex pathological microenvironment and irregular wound shapes. Here, a glucose-responsive and self-adaptive phenylboronic acid (PBA) hydrogel solubilized strong antioxidant flavonoids (Gel-Flavonoids) is developed via dynamic borate bonds. The Gel-Flavonoids system can spontaneously confirm to the irregular wound shape and release flavonoids in a high-glucose microenvironment to effectively eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). The optimized Gel-Flavonoids demonstrate remarkable efficacy in inhibiting inflammation and activating fibroblasts and endothelial cells through CD36-activated lipid metabolism in macrophages and is significantly superior to commercial dressings (3M) in healing rate (> 93%, 14 days) and whole-layer regeneration effect. This study obtained a multidimensional Gel-Flavonoids system to effectively repair diabetic wounds, and reveal the underlying therapeutic mechanisms, offering a promising insight to guide the development of medical materials to treat diabetic wounds.

Recent advances in nanomaterials and their mechanisms for infected wounds management

Wounds infected by bacteria pose a considerable challenge in the field of healthcare, particularly with the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Traditional antibiotics often fail to achieve effective results due to limited penetration, resistance development, and inadequate local concentration at wound sites. These limitations necessitate the exploration of alternative strategies that can overcome the drawbacks of conventional therapies. Nanomaterials have emerged as a promising solution for tackling bacterial infections and facilitating wound healing, thanks to their distinct physicochemical characteristics and multifunctional capabilities. This review highlights the latest developments in nanomaterials that demonstrated enhanced antibacterial efficacy and improved wound healing outcomes. The antibacterial mechanisms of nanomaterials are varied, including ion release, chemodynamic therapy, photothermal/photodynamic therapy, electrostatic interactions, and delivery of antibacterial drugs, which not only combat bacterial infections but also address the challenges posed by biofilms and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, these nanomaterials create an optimal environment for tissue regeneration, promoting faster wound closure. By leveraging the unique attributes of nanomaterials, there is a significant opportunity to revolutionize the management of infected wounds and markedly improve patient outcomes.

An adhesive and self-healing ROS-scavenging hydrogel loading with hMSC-derived exosomes for diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds have garnered significant attention due to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), persistent inflammation, and vascular and neural impairments that hinder effective healing. ROS-scavenging hydrogels with phenylborate bonds possess inherent anti-ROS and anti-inflammatory properties, while human mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hMSC-exos) offer additional anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and neurogenic benefits, presenting a promising strategy to address these challenges. This study introduces a novel ROS-scavenging hydrogel loaded with hMSC-exos, which exhibits strong adhesion and self-healing capabilities. Upon application to the wound, it interacts with ROS to produce an anti-inflammatory response, concurrently allowing a sustained release of hMSC-exos. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that this hydrogel effectively reduces ROS levels, mitigates inflammation, and promotes angiogenesis and neurogenesis, thus enhancing functional skin restoration and accelerating wound healing. In summary, we propose an innovative therapeutic approach for diabetic wound healing by combining ROS-scavenging hydrogels with hMSC-exos, with the potential to significantly benefit patients.

Tailored Metal-Phenolic Network with Hypoglycemic Polyphenol for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetic foot ulcer is a common and serious complication of diabetes, with a high risk of amputation, recurrence, and mortality. Aiming at the characteristics of diabetic wounds and based on the result of network pharmacology, a tailored ligand cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) was selected to construct a metal-phenolic network (CM) through the self-assembly reaction with manganese ions. CM integrates the pharmacological advantages of C3G in antidiabetes and the anti-inflammatory activity of metal-phenolic networks by simulating the metal coordination structure of antioxidant enzymes. Reasonably, the wound areas of db/db mice with CM treatment rapidly decreased to 3.06% at day 14, accompanied by the improvement of tissue microenvironment. Mechanism investigation indicated that CM can not only reduce inflammation activation and immunoreaction but also increase gene transcripts in glucose metabolism, response to hypoxia, and angiogenesis. It is believed that this work opens a way for designing disease-specific metal-phenolic networks, and the CM with high biosafety promotes the clinical treatment of diabetic wounds.

Versatile conductive hydrogel orchestrating neuro-immune microenvironment for rapid diabetic wound healing through peripheral nerve regeneration

Diabetic wound (DW), notorious for prolonged healing processes due to the unregulated immune response, neuropathy, and persistent infection, poses a significant challenge to clinical management. Current strategies for treating DW primarily focus on alleviating the inflammatory milieu or promoting angiogenesis, while limited attention has been given to modulating the neuro-immune microenvironment. Thus, we present an electrically conductive hydrogel dressing and identify its neurogenesis influence in a nerve injury animal model initially by encouraging the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells. Further, endowed with the synergizing effect of near-infrared responsive release of curcumin and nature-inspired artificial heterogeneous melanin nanoparticles, it can harmonize the immune microenvironment by restoring the macrophage phenotype and scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species. This in-situ formed hydrogel also exhibits mild photothermal therapy antibacterial efficacy. In the infected DW model, this hydrogel effectively supports nerve regeneration and mitigates the immune microenvironment, thereby expediting the healing progress. The versatile hydrogel exhibits significant therapeutic potential for application in DW healing through fine-tuning the neuro-immune microenvironment.

Lipid nanoparticle: advanced drug delivery systems for promotion of angiogenesis in diabetic wounds

Diabetic wound is one of the most challenge in healthcare, requiring innovative approaches to promote efficient healing. In recent years, lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing diabetic wound repair by stimulating angiogenesis. These nanoparticles offer unique advantages, including improved drug stability, targeted delivery, and controlled release, making them promising in enhancing the formation of new blood vessels. In this review, we summarize the emerging advances in the utilization of lipid nanoparticles to deliver angiogenic agents and promote angiogenesis in diabetic wounds. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth exploration of key aspects, including the intricate design and fabrication of lipid nanoparticles, their underlying mechanisms of action, and a comprehensive overview of preclinical studies. Moreover, we address crucial considerations pertaining to safety and the translation of these innovative systems into clinical practice. By synthesizing and analyzing the available knowledge, our review offers valuable insights into the future prospects and challenges associated with utilizing the potential of lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for promoting robust angiogenesis in the intricate process of diabetic wound healing.

Enhancing Diabetic Oral Wound Healing with miR-132 Delivered Through Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructures

Oral mucosal injuries are commonly caused by factors such as trauma, infection, or inflammation, especially in diabetic patients where healing is difficult and significantly affects quality of life. In this study, a nanocarrier system based on DNA tetrahedrons (TDN) is developed, which serve as ideal vectors due to their excellent intracellular uptake and drug delivery capabilities. By efficiently delivering miR132 into cells, the proliferation and migration of human oral mucosal fibroblasts (HOMFs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are regulated, along with the modulation of inflammation and antioxidant processes. In the oral wound model of diabetic rats, the miR@TDN system effectively and stably delivers miR132 to the injured mucosa. By regulating the inflammatory response, promoting blood vessel regeneration, and enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms, significant improvement in cellular repair function and acceleration of the wound healing process are observed. These findings provide a new strategy and experimental basis for the clinical treatment of oral mucosal injuries.

A galactose-tethered tetraphenylethene prodrug mediated apoptosis of senescent cells for osteoporosis treatment

Osteoporosis and bone injury healing in elderly patients are major medical challenges, often exacerbated by the accumulation of senescent cells. Herein, we show that TPE-Gal, which contains a tetraphenylethene unit and a galactose moiety, offers a promising molecular therapy designed to light up and eliminate senescent cells through a hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by β-galactosidase, an enzyme overexpressed in senescent cells. The reaction produces TPE-OH, which, in turn, increases reactive oxygen species levels within the senescent cells, leading to noninflammatory apoptosis of senescent cells. This targeted clearance mechanism helps to alleviate osteoporosis symptoms and promotes bone injury healing. Moreover, apoptotic vesicles, which are generated during the process, are partly phagocytosed by macrophages, mimicking physiological metabolic processes. This study opens new avenues for addressing bone health issues through the designed bioclearance of senescent cells, aligning with the body's natural pathways for maintaining homeostasis.

Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Gel-Based Microneedle Patches with Antimicrobial and Immunomodulating Properties for Oral Mucosa Disease Treatment

Oral ulcer wounds are difficult to heal due to bacterial infections, persistent inflammatory responses, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, the elimination of bacteria, removal of ROS, and reduction of inflammation are prerequisites for the treatment of mouth ulcer wounds. In this study, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) and 3-(aminomethyl)phenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid (HP) were used to form polymer gels through dynamic covalent borate bonds. Minocycline hydrochloride (MH) was then loaded into the polymer gel, and a multifunctional MH/OPC-HP microneedles (MNs) with ROS-responsive properties was prepared using a vacuum method. The MH/OPC-HP MNs can rapidly release MH in a diffusive manner and sustainably release OPC in response to ROS. The gel-based MH/OPC-HP MNs extended the retention of OPC in oral ulcers, leading to prolonged ROS scavenging effects. Cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility tests showed that MH/OPC-HP MNs had good biocompatibility. Antibacterial experiments demonstrated that MNs loaded with MH exhibited excellent antibacterial effects. In vitro experiments indicated that MH/OPC-HP MNs could effectively clear ROS, reduce oxidative stress damage, inhibit M1-type macrophage polarization, and induce M2-type polarization. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that MH/OPC-HP MNs could inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, promote neovascularization, accelerate epithelial healing of ulcers, and significantly promote healing in a rat model of oral ulcer wound infection. In summary, MH/OPC-HP MNs hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing the healing of oral ulcer wounds.

Acid-responsive CST@NPs enhanced diabetic wound healing through rescuing mitochondrial dysfunction

Diabetic ulcers (DUs) are persistent and challenging complications of diabetes. The consequences of DUs include a decline in functional status, increased risk of infection, hospitalization, and even death. Our study revealed a significant decrease in the levels of cortistatin (CST) in the skin tissue of patients with DUs and diabetic rats. This finding led us to hypothesize that the administration of exogenous CST is an effective strategy to promote wound healing in patients with DUs. We herein successfully prepared CST-loaded pDMA-pEPEMA nanoparticles (CST@NPs) designed to exhibit localized, acid-responsive behavior for enhanced wound healing. These CST@NPs were sensitive to acidic environments, triggering the rapid release of CST. In vitro experiments showed that CST@NPs effectively alleviated oxidative stress and reduced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our findings further demonstrated that CST@NPs accelerated re-epithelialization of the wound, enhanced collagen deposition, and stimulated angiogenesis, while alleviating the local inflammatory response. Both in vivo and in vitro results indicate that CST@NPs possess precise and rapid response capabilities in acidic environments, ensuring effective CST release to promote diabetic wound healing. In summary, this acid-responsive nanoparticle system presents a highly efficient therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.

Glucose oxidase: An emerging multidimensional treatment option for diabetic wound healing

The healing of diabetic skin wounds is a complex process significantly affected by the hyperglycemic environment. In this context, glucose oxidase (GOx), by catalyzing glucose to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, not only modulates the hyperglycemic microenvironment but also possesses antibacterial and oxygen-supplying functions, thereby demonstrating immense potential in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Despite the growing interest in GOx-based therapeutic strategies in recent years, a systematic summary and review of these efforts have been lacking. To address this gap, this review article outlines the advancements in the application of GOx and GOx-like nanozymes in the treatment of diabetic wounds, including reaction mechanisms, the selection of carrier materials, and synergistic therapeutic strategies such as multi-enzyme combinations, microneedle structures, and gas therapy. Finally, the article looks forward to the application prospects of GOx in aiding the healing of diabetic wounds and the challenges faced in translating these innovations to clinical practice. We sincerely hope that this review can provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of GOx-based diabetic treatment strategies, facilitate the rigorous construction of more robust multifunctional therapeutic systems, and ultimately benefit patients with diabetic wounds.

Carvacrol/cyclodextrin/ceria nanoparticle/hyaluronate hybrid microneedle for promoted diabetic wound healing through the modulation of microenvironment

Delayed healing due to the persistent microenvironment disorder caused by the hyperglycemia and persistent inflammatory reaction is a core pathological characteristic of diabetic wound. Topical microenvironment modulation represents an important avenue to address delayed healing issue. Microneedles are powerful tools for topical microenvironment modulation as they can effectively deliver therapeutic ingredients into the shallow surface layer of the wound based on their depth-limited tissue penetration capability. Herein, a hybrid microneedle composed of carvacrol (CV), cyclodextrin (CD), mesoporous ceria nanoparticles (MCNs) and hyaluronate (HA) is constructed with objective to modulate the microenvironment within the diabetic wound. The hybrid microneedle is constructed via a two-stage process comprising three stepwise embedding procedures in the first stage and four microneedle casting procedures in the second stage. The physical, chemical and antibacterial performances, as well as the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic potentials, of the hybrid microneedle are evaluated. The therapeutic ingredients, mainly CV and MCNs, incorporated in the microneedle can be readily released into the diabetic wound, and effective microenvironment modulation is realized through the designed antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Consequently, the tissue reconstruction processes including cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition are accelerated due to the improved microenvironment.

Nanosystems for modulation of immune responses in periodontal therapy: a mini-review

Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases. It is generally treated by non-surgical and/or surgical therapy with adjunctive approaches for prevention and control. The current understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontitis has unraveled the importance of the inflammatory and immune reactions to combat periodontitis whose etiology is an overlap of microbial, genetic, and environmental factors in a susceptible host. Based on this premise, many therapeutic modalities have been investigated or attempted to resolve this inflammatory disease. Amongst these, nanomedicine has been shown to have therapeutic applications in periodontitis, especially focused on immunomodulation because periodontitis is characterized by over-reactive immune response. This mini-review explores the potential of nanosystems in treating periodontitis by providing an overview of the research efforts in this field of therapeutics. The unique physicochemical and targeting properties of nanosystems seem to be potentially effective platforms for treating periodontitis.

Melanin Hydrogel Inverse Opal Microneedle Patches for Wound Healing

Bacterial infected wounds bring an economic burden to the worldwide medical care field. A variety of bioactives-integrated hydrogel patches are developed in response to this challenge. Here, the melanin hydrogel inverse opal microneedle patches (MNs) with antioxidant and visual color sensing abilities for the management of bacterial infected wounds are proposed. The MNs are fabricated by applying melanin-loaded polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as the inverse opal hydrogel and using bacitracin-carried gelatin to fill those nanopores of hydrogel scaffold. Benefitting from the antioxidant capacity of melanin nanoparticles and the local antimicrobial ability of bacitracin, the resulting MNs possess the integrated functions of reactive oxygen species scavenging and antibacterial. Besides, the inverse opal structure endows the MNs with vivid structure color and detectable reflected wavelength, which can gradually shift with the release of the drug, thus allowing MNs to assess the drug delivery. Based on these characteristics, MNs perform excellent in in vitro drug delivery and monitoring, as well as the promotion of bacterial infected wound recovery in vivo, indicating the potential of MNs in the future wound management field.

Selective and complementary antimicrobial and antiviral activity of silver, copper, and selenium nanoparticle suspensions in deep eutectic solvent

Metallic and nonmetallic nanoparticles are bioactive compounds that exhibit broad resistance to bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. In this paper, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on betaine, glucose, and ethylene glycol was used to obtain suspensions of silver, copper, and selenium nanoparticles. Depending on the nanoparticle precursor used, Ag, Cu, and Se nanoparticles (NPs) with an average particle size of 50-100 nm were prepared, and the properties of the products were confirmed by the STEM, XPS, DLS, and UV-VIS methods. The use of a DES, without the need for additional reactants, allowed the production of stable nanoparticles with increased bioactivity against microorganisms. The obtained systems showed high bioactivity against strains of S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Nanosuspensions, by generating reactive oxygen species (ROSs), caused enzyme inactivation and the inhibition of the metabolic processes of microorganisms. Particle-generated cell degradation processes were investigated through ROS generation assays, API assays, the determination of the MIC/MBC, and cell decomposition rate assays in the early logarithmic growth phase. Copper nanoparticles derived from copper(II) acetate were also highly active against the human influenza A/H1N1 viruses, human coronavirus (HCoV-OC43, Betacoronavirus 1), and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV, Rhabdoviridae), showing a virus titer reduction of more than 93.7-99.96%.

Recent Advancements of Nanomedicine in Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer surgery plays a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary approaches. Surgical techniques and objectives are gradually shifting from tumor complete resection towards prolonging survival, improving cosmetic outcomes, and restoring the social and psychological well-being of patients. However, surgical treatment still faces challenges such as inadequate sensitivity in sentinel lymph node localization, the need to improve intraoperative tumor boundary localization imaging, postoperative scar healing, and the risk of recurrence, necessitating other adjunct measures for improvement. To address these challenges, specificity-optimized nanomedicines have been introduced into the surgical therapeutic landscape of breast cancer. In particular, this review involves starting with an overview of breast structure and the composition of the tumor microenvironment and then introducing the guiding principle and foundation for the design of nanomedicine. Moreover, we will take the order process of breast cancer surgery diagnosis and treatment as the starting point, and adaptively propose the roles and advantages of nanomedicine in addressing the corresponding issues. Furthermore, we also involved the prospects of utilizing advanced technological approaches. Overall, this review seeks to uncover the sophisticated design and strategies of nanomedicine from a clinical standpoint, address the challenges faced in surgical treatment, and provide insights into this subject matter.

Sandwich-Structured Nanofiber Dressings Containing MgB2 and Metformin Hydrochloride With ROS Scavenging and Antibacterial Properties for Wound Healing in Diabetic Infections

The treatment of chronic diabetic wounds is a major challenge due to oxidative stress, persistent hyperglycemia, and susceptibility to bacterial infection. In this study, multifunctional sandwich-structured nanofiber dressings (SNDs) are prepared via electrospinning. The SNDs consisted of an outer layer of hydrophobic polylactic acid (PLA) fibers encapsulating MgB2 nanosheets (MgB2 NSs), a middle layer of PLA and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers encapsulating the MgB2 NSs and metformin hydrochloride complex (MgB2-Met), and an inner layer of water-soluble PVP fibers encapsulating MgB2-Met. Because of their special sandwich structure, SNDs have high photothermal conversion efficiency (24.13%) and photothermal cycle performance. SNDs also exhibit a photothermal effect, bacteria-targeting effect of MgB2, electrostatic attraction ability of metformin hydrochloride (Met), and strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). SNDs can eliminate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by regulating the hydrogen release from MgB2. In addition, SNDs have good biocompatibility, can effectively inhibit the inflammatory factor Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and promote granulation tissue formation, collagen deposition, and diabetic wound healing. These findings offer a promising approach for clinical treatment of diabetic wounds.

Natural polymer nanofiber dressings for effective management of chronic diabetic wounds: A comprehensive review

Diabetic wounds present a chronic challenge in effective treatment. Natural polymer nanofiber dressings have emerged as a promising solution due to their impressive biocompatibility, biodegradability, safety, high specific surface area, and resemblance to the extracellular matrix. These qualities make them ideal materials with excellent biological properties and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, they can effectively deliver therapeutic agents, enabling diverse treatment effects. This review offers a comprehensive overview of natural polymer-based nanofibers in diabetic wound dressings. It examines the characteristics and challenges associated with diabetic wounds and the role of natural polymers in facilitating wound healing. The review highlights the preparation, mechanism, and applications of various functional dressings composed of natural polymer nanofibers. Furthermore, it addresses the main challenges and future directions in utilizing natural polymer nanofibers for diabetic wound treatment, providing valuable insights into effective wound management for diabetic patients.

Nanomaterial-enabled drug transport systems: a comprehensive exploration of current developments and future avenues in therapeutic delivery

Over the years, nanotechnology has gained popularity as a viable solution to address gene and drug delivery challenges over conventional methods. Extensive research has been conducted on nanosystems that consist of organic/inorganic materials, drugs, and its biocompatibility become the primary goal of improving drug delivery. Various surface modification methods help focus targeted and controlled drug release, further enabling multidrug delivery also. This newer technology ensures the stability of drugs that can unravel the mechanisms involved in cellular processes of disease development and its management. Tailored medication delivery provides benefits such as therapy, controlled release, and reduced adverse effects, which are especially important for controlling illnesses like cancer. However, multifunctional nanocarriers that possess high viscoelasticity, extended circulation half-life, biocompatibility, and biodegradability face some challenges and limitations too in human bodies. To produce a consistent therapeutic platform based on complex three-dimensional nanoparticles, careful design and engineering, thorough orthogonal analysis methods, and reproducible scale-up and manufacturing processes will be required in the future. Safety and effectiveness of nano-based drug delivery should be thoroughly investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, especially when considering biodistribution, targeting specific areas, and potential immunological toxicities. Overall, the current review article explores the advancements in nanotechnology, specific to nanomaterial-enabled drug delivery systems, carrier fabrication techniques and modifications, disease management, clinical research, applications, limitations, and future challenges. The work portrays how nanomedicine distribution affects healthcare with an emphasis on the developments in drug delivery techniques.

Microenvironment-responsive nanomedicines: a promising direction for tissue regeneration

Severe tissue defects present formidable challenges to human health, persisting as major contributors to mortality rates. The complex pathological microenvironment, particularly the disrupted immune landscape within these defects, poses substantial hurdles to existing tissue regeneration strategies. However, the emergence of nanobiotechnology has opened a new direction in immunomodulatory nanomedicine, providing encouraging prospects for tissue regeneration and restoration. This review aims to gather recent advances in immunomodulatory nanomedicine to foster tissue regeneration. We begin by elucidating the distinctive features of the local immune microenvironment within defective tissues and its crucial role in tissue regeneration. Subsequently, we explore the design and functional properties of immunomodulatory nanosystems. Finally, we address the challenges and prospects of clinical translation in nanomedicine development, aiming to propose a potent approach to enhance tissue regeneration through synergistic immune modulation and nanomedicine integration.

A photo-modulated nitric oxide delivering hydrogel for the accelerated healing of biofilm infected chronic wounds

Biofilm infection and impaired healing of chronic wounds are posing tremendous challenges in clinical practice. In this study, we presented a versatile antimicrobial hydrogel capable of delivering nitric oxide (NO) in a controllable manner to dissipate biofilms, eliminate microorganisms, and promote the healing of chronic wounds. This hydrogel was constructed by Schiff-base crosslinking of oxidized dextran and antimicrobial peptide ε-poly-lysine, further encapsulating photothermal nanoparticles bearing NO donor. This hydrogel could continuously and slowly release NO, effectively dissipating biofilms, and promoting the proliferation of mouse fibroblasts and the migration of endothelial cells. Upon exposure to NIR laser irradiation, the hydrogel generated hyperthermia and rapidly released NO, resulting in the efficient elimination of a broad spectrum of drug-resistant Gram-positive/negative bacterial and fungal biofilms through the synergistic effects of NO, photothermal therapy, and the antibacterial peptide. Notably, the hydrogel demonstrated exceptional in vivo therapeutic outcomes in accelerating the healing process of mice diabetic wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by successfully eliminating biofilm infection, regulating inflammation, and facilitating angiogenesis and collagen deposition. Overall, this proposed hydrogel shows great promise in accommodating the various demands of the complex repair process of chronic wounds infected with biofilms. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The presence of biofilm infections and underlying dysfunctions in the healing process made chronic wound become stuck in the inflammation stage and difficult to heal. This work developed a NIR laser-modulated three-stage NO-releasing versatile antimicrobial hydrogel (DEPN) exhibiting good therapeutic efficacy for chronic wound. This DEPN hydrogel could inherently and slowly released NO to disperse biofilm. Upon NIR laser irradiation, the DEPN hydrogel generated hyperthermia and induced a rapid burst release of NO effectively eliminating a broad spectrum of drug-resistant bacterial and fungal biofilms. Subsequently, the DEPN hydrogel continually release NO slowly to promote the tissue remolding. This DEPN hydrogel displays great potential in treatment of chronic wounds infected with biofilm.

Multi-responsive sodium hyaluronate/tannic acid hydrogels with ROS scavenging ability promote the healing of diabetic wounds

Oxidative stress caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation significantly hinders wound healing in patients with diabetes. Scavenging ROS and reducing inflammation are crucial for rapid healing. In this work, a multi-responsive sodium hyaluronate (HA)/tannic acid (TA) hydrogel was developed based on boronate ester bonds. Sodium hyaluronate with 3-aminophenyl boronic acid modification (HA-APBA) was mixed and crosslinked with TA to form HA-APBA/TA hydrogels. These hydrogels are injectable, self-healing, and biocompatible. The HA-APBA/TA hydrogels could release free TA through the collapse of the structure at low pH, high H2O2 concentration, and high glucose concentration, thus possessing good ROS scavenging ability. In full-thickness skin wounds of db/db mice, the HA-APBA/TA hydrogels promoted wound healing, collagen deposition, and significant angiogenesis. Furthermore, they have been shown to effectively reduce the levels of inflammatory factors in wounds and lower the expression of CD86, a pro-inflammatory macrophage surface marker. This resulted in a more effective transition of wound healing from the inflammatory phase to the proliferative phase. This study provides an optional strategy for alleviating oxidative stress and controlling excessive inflammation, thereby promoting diabetic wound healing.

Economic and Productive Comparison of Rutin and Rutin-Loaded Chitosan Alginate Nanoparticles Against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Cobb and Arbor Broiler Breeds

Rutin, a natural bioflavonoid compound, is one of the best-known antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of rutin-loaded chitosan alginate nanoparticles (RCA NPs) against lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress in two different broiler breeds. A total number of 240 chicks from Cobb (CB) and Arbor Acres (AR) breeds were randomly allocated into 4 groups/breed. The 1st group received standard basal diet (SD) and drinking water (DW) while the 2nd group received SD and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). The 3rd group treated with both rutin-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed), and DW contain Pb (350 mg/L). Finally, the 4th group administered RCA NPs-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed) and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). On the 40th day of experiment, broilers weighed, and blood samples collected for biochemical and hematological analysis then slaughtered. Economic efficiency, growth performance, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Gene expression level of growth-associated genes as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and histopathological changes were assessed in liver and intestinal tissue of both breeds. Our results revealed that Pb-treated birds exhibited the lowest average body weight gain (BWG) and economic efficiency measures in both breeds while RCA NPs-treated groups revealed enhanced growth and economic performance. Furthermore, diet supplementation with RCA NPs considerably enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activity and expression of growth-associated genes than groups treated with rutin alone specifically in AR breed. In conclusion, RCA NPs supplementation could be a promising nanoformulation in poultry production through enhancing the antioxidant capacity and bioavailability of rutin.

Interfacially Self-Assembled Mutifunctional Protein Thin Films for Accelerated Wound Healing

The design of mutifunctional protein films for large-area spatially ordered arrays of functional components holds great promise in the field of biomedical applications. Herein, interfacial electrostatic self-assembly was employed to construct a large-scale protein thin film by inducing electrostatic interactions between three bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated nanoclusters and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), leading to their spontaneous organization and uniform distribution at the oil-water interface. This protein film demonstrated excellent multienzyme functions, high antibacterial activity, and pH-responsive drug release capability. Therefore, it can accelerate the wound closure process through a synergistic effect that includes reducing local blood glucose levels, regulating cellular oxidative stress, eradicating bacteria, and promoting cell proliferation.

Ta4C3 Nanosheets as a Novel Therapeutic Platform for Photothermal-Driven ROS Scavenging and Immune Activation against Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Diabetic Wounds

The accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and recurrent infections with drug-resistant bacteria pose significant challenges in diabetic wound infections, often leading to impediments in wound healing. Addressing this, there is a critical demand for novel strategies dedicated to treating and preventing diabetic wounds infected with drug-resistant bacteria. Herein, 2D tantalum carbide nanosheets (Ta4C3 NSs) have been synthesized through an efficient and straightforward approach, leading to the development of a new, effective nanoplatform endowed with notable photothermal properties, biosafety, and diverse ROS scavenging capabilities, alongside immunogenic attributes for diabetic wound treatment and prevention of recurrent drug-resistant bacterial infections. The Ta4C3 NSs exhibit remarkable photothermal performance, effectively eliminating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and excessive ROS, thus promoting diabetic wound healing. Furthermore, Ta4C3 NSs enhance dendritic cell activation, further triggering T helper 1 (TH1)/TH2 immune responses, leading to pathogen-specific immune memory against recurrent MRSA infections. This nanoplatform, with its significant photothermal and immunomodulatory effects, holds vast potential in the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant bacterial infections in diabetic wounds.

Microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes for tissue regeneration

Tissue defect is one of the significant challenges encountered in clinical practice. Nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, and metal-organic frameworks, have demonstrated an extensive potential in tissue regeneration, offering a promising avenue for future clinical applications. Nonetheless, the intricate landscape of the inflammatory tissue microenvironment has engendered challenges to the efficacy of nanomaterial-based therapies. This quandary has spurred researchers to pivot towards advanced nanotechnological remedies for overcoming these therapeutic constraints. Among these solutions, microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes have emerged as a compelling instrument with the capacity to reshape the tissue microenvironment and enhance the intricate process of tissue regeneration. In this review, we summarize the microenvironmental characteristics of damaged tissues, offer insights into the rationale guiding the design and engineering of microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes, and explore the underlying mechanisms that underpin these nanozymes' responsiveness. This analysis includes their roles in orchestrating cellular signaling, modulating immune responses, and promoting the delicate process of tissue remodeling. Furthermore, we discuss the diverse applications of microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes in tissue regeneration, including bone, soft tissue, and cartilage regeneration. Finally, we shed our sights on envisioning the forthcoming milestones in this field, prospecting a future where microenvironment-sensitive nanozymes contribute significantly to the development of tissue regeneration and improved clinical outcomes.

Unlocking the potential of flavonoid-infused drug delivery systems for diabetic wound healing with a mechanistic exploration

Diabetes is one of the common endocrine disorders generally characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar. It can originate either from the inability of the pancreas to synthesize insulin, which is considered as an autoimmune disorder, or the reduced production of insulin, considered as insulin resistivity. A wound can be defined as a condition of damage to living tissues including skin, mucous membrane and other organs as well. Wounds get complicated with respect to time based on specific processes like diabetes mellitus, obesity and immunocompromised conditions. Proper growth and functionality of the epidermis gets sustained due to impaired diabetic wound healing which shows a sign of dysregulated wound healing process. In comparison with synthetic medications, phytochemicals like flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and glycosides have gained enormous importance relying on their distinct potential to heal diabetic wounds. Flavonoids are one of the most promising and important groups of natural compounds which can be used to treat acute as well as chronic wounds. Flavonoids show excellent properties due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in their chemical structure, which makes this class of compounds different from others. Based on the novel principles of nanotechnology via utilizing suitable drug delivery systems, the delivery of bioactive constituents from plant source amplifies the wound-healing mechanism, minimizes complexities and enhances bioavailability. Hence, the encapsulation and applicability of flavonoids with an emphasis on mechanistic route and wound-healing therapeutics have been highlighted in the subsequent study with focus on multiple drug delivery systems.

Mechanistic Interrogation on Wound Healing and Scar Removing by the Mo4/3B2-x Nanoscaffold Revealed Regulated Amino Acid and Purine Metabolism

Wound rehabilitation is invariably time-consuming, scar formation further weakens therapeutic efficacy, and detailed mechanisms at the molecular level remain unclear. In this work, a Mo4/3B2-x nanoscaffold was fabricated and utilized for wound healing and scar removing in a mice model, while metabolomics was used to study the metabolic reprogramming of metabolome during therapy at the molecular level. The results showed that transition metal borides, called Mo4/3B2-x nanoscaffolds, could mimic superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase to eliminate excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the wound microenvironment. During the therapeutic process, the Mo4/3B2-x nanoscaffold could facilitate the regeneration of wounds and removal of scars by regulating the biosynthesis of collagen, fibers, and blood vessels at the pathological, imaging, and molecular levels. Subsequent metabolomics study revealed that the Mo4/3B2-x nanoscaffold effectively ameliorated metabolic disorders in both wound and scar microenvironments through regulating ROS-related pathways including the amino acid metabolic process (including glycine and serine metabolism and glutamate metabolism) and the purine metabolic process. This study is anticipated to illuminate the potential clinical application of the Mo4/3B2-x nanoscaffold as an effective therapeutic agent in traumatic diseases and provide insights into the development of analytical methodology for interrogating wound healing and scar removal-related metabolic mechanisms.

Elastic Nanofibrous Dressings with Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Recruiting and Protecting Characteristics for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetic wounds that do not heal for a long time challenge global healthcare. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has positive significance in promoting diabetic wound healing. However, traditional MSC therapy involves exogenous MSCs, which brings many limitations and unsatisfactory treatment. Moreover, the maintenance of MSC viability and function is difficult because of the high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in diabetic wounds. Therefore, we developed a nanofibrous dressing to recruit and protect endogenous MSCs while avoiding the inherent disadvantages of exogenous MSCs. Ceria nanoparticles capable of ROS scavenging are integrated into the nanofibrous dressings, together with Apt19S, a DNA aptamer with affinity and selectivity for MSCs. In addition, the homogenization and freeze-drying technology give the nanofibrous dressings good elasticity, which protects the wound from external pressure. Further experiments in diabetic mice show that the dressing has excellent endogenous MSC recruitment and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby synergistically promoting diabetic wound healing. This study is expected to explore an efficient method of stem cell therapy, providing a new way to construct high-performance wound dressings.

Mg-gallate metal-organic framework-based sprayable hydrogel for continuously regulating oxidative stress microenvironment and promoting neurovascular network reconstruction in diabetic wounds

Chronic diabetic wounds are the most common complication for diabetic patients. Due to high oxidative stress levels affecting the entire healing process, treating diabetic wounds remains a challenge. Here, we present a strategy for continuously regulating oxidative stress microenvironment by the catalyst-like magnesium-gallate metal-organic framework (Mg-GA MOF) and developing sprayable hydrogel dressing with sodium alginate/chitosan quaternary ammonium salts to treat diabetic wounds. Chitosan quaternary ammonium salts with antibacterial properties can prevent bacterial infection. The continuous release of gallic acid (GA) effectively eliminates reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduces oxidative stress, and accelerates the polarization of M1-type macrophages to M2-type, shortening the transition between inflammation and proliferative phase and maintaining redox balance. Besides, magnesium ions adjuvant therapy promotes vascular regeneration and neuronal formation by activating the expression of vascular-associated genes. Sprayable hydrogel dressings with antibacterial, antioxidant, and inflammatory regulation rapidly repair diabetic wounds by promoting neurovascular network reconstruction and accelerating re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. This study confirms the feasibility of catalyst-like MOF-contained sprayable hydrogel to regulate the microenvironment continuously and provides guidance for developing the next generation of non-drug diabetes dressings.

Synergistic Antimicrobial Glycyrrhizic Acid-Based Functional Biosensing Composite for Sensitive Glucose Monitoring and Collaborative Wound Healing

High glucose blood and bacterial infection remain major issues for the slow healing of diabetic wounds, so developing functional biosensing composite with excellent antibacterial and remarkable glucose response sensitivity is necessary and prospective. Herein, by in situ synthesis AgNPs on the surface of self-prepared PTIGA elastomers, PTIGA-AgNPs conductive composites are obtained with efficient synergistic antibacterial effect, excellent mechanical and self-healing properties. The strain of the composites can reach 1800%, and its self-healing efficiency exceeds 90% at 60 °C within 8 h. Both elastomers and composites represent excellent biocompatibility and the antibacterial rate against E. coli and S. aureus exceeded 90%. Moreover, the biosensor assembled from the conductive composites exhibits excellent glucose response sensitivity and stability, with a sensitivity coefficient of 0.518 mA mm-1 in the range of 0.2-3.6 × 10-3 m glucose concentration, as well as a low detection limit of 0.08 × 10-3 m. Furthermore, based on the remarkable antibacterial performance and bioactivity derived from GA, the composites reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and promote the production of anti-inflammatory factors, and effectively promote the regeneration of skin and granulation tissue of wounds in a diabetic full-thickness skin defect model, demonstrating the enormous therapeutic potential in diabetic wound healing.

Design and synthesis of a nucleobase functionalized peptide hydrogel: in vitro assessment of anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects

Over the past several years, a significant increase in the expanding field of biomaterial sciences has been observed due to the development of biocompatible materials based on peptide derivatives that have intrinsic therapeutic potential. In this report, we synthesized nucleobase functionalized peptide derivatives (NPs). Hydrogelation in the synthesized NPs was induced by increasing their hydrophobicity with an aromatic moiety. The aggregation behavior of the NPs was analyzed by performing molecular dynamics simulations and DOSY NMR experiments. We performed circular dichroism (CD), thioflavin-T binding and PXRD to characterize the supramolecular aggregation in the NP1 hydrogel. The mechanical strength of the NP1 hydrogel was tested by performing rheological experiments. TEM and SEM experiments were performed to investigate the morphology of the NP1 hydrogel. The biocompatibility of the newly synthesized NP1 hydrogel was investigated using McCoy and A549 cell lines. The hemolytic activity of the NP1 hydrogel was examined in human blood cells. The stability of the newly formed NP1 hydrogel was examined using proteinase K and α-chymotrypsin. The NP1 hydrogel was used for in vitro wound healing. Western blotting, qRT-PCR and DCFDA assay were performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the NP1 hydrogel. The synthesized NP1 hydrogel also exhibits antibacterial efficacy.

Cellular In Vitro Responses Induced by Human Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Obtained from Suspension Culture

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been described to have important roles in tissue regeneration, including tissue repair, control of inflammation, enhancing angiogenesis, and regulating extracellular matrix remodeling. MSC-EVs have many advantages for use in regeneration therapies such as facility for dosage, histocompatibility, and low immunogenicity, thus possessing a lower possibility of rejection. In this work, we address the potential activity of MSC-EVs isolated from adipose-derived MSCs (ADMSC-EVs) cultured on cross-linked dextran microcarriers, applied to test the scalability and reproducibility of EV production. Isolated ADMSC-EVs were added into cultured human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF-1), keratinocytes (HaCat), endothelial cells (HUVEC), and THP-1 cell-derived macrophages to evaluate cellular responses (i.e., cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis induction, and macrophage phenotype-switching). ADMSC viability and phenotype were assessed during cell culture and isolated ADMSC-EVs were monitored by nanotracking particle analysis, electron microscopy, and immunophenotyping. We observed an enhancement of HaCat proliferation; NHDF-1 and HaCat migration; endothelial tube formation on HUVEC; and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in THP-1-derived macrophages. The increased expression of TGF-β and IL-1β was observed in M1 macrophages treated with higher doses of ADMSC-EVs. Hence, EVs from microcarrier-cultivated ADMSCs are shown to modulate cell behavior, being able to induce skin tissue related cells to migrate and proliferate as well as stimulate angiogenesis and cause balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in macrophages. Based on these findings, we suggest that the isolation of EVs from ADMSC suspension cultures makes it possible to induce in vitro cellular responses of interest and obtain sufficient particle numbers for the development of in vivo concept tests for tissue regeneration studies.

A Double Network Composite Hydrogel with Self-Regulating Cu2+/Luteolin Release and Mechanical Modulation for Enhanced Wound Healing

Designing adaptive and smart hydrogel wound dressings to meet specific needs across different stages of wound healing is crucial. Here, we present a composite hydrogel, GSC/PBE@Lut, that offers self-regulating release of cupric ions and luteolin and modulates mechanical properties to promote chronic wound healing. The double network hydrogel, GSC, is fabricated through photo-cross-linking of gelatin methacrylate, followed by Cu2+-alginate coordination cross-linking. On one hand, GSC allows for rapid Cu2+ release to eliminate bacteria in the acidic pH environment during inflammation and reduces the hydrogel's mechanical strength to minimize tissue trauma during early dressing changes. On the other hand, GSC enables slow Cu2+ release during the proliferation stage, promoting angiogenesis and biocompatibility. Furthermore, the inclusion of pH- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive luteolin nanoparticles (PBE@Lut) in the hydrogel matrix allows for controlled release of luteolin, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and promoting anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization. In a murine model of Staphylococcus aureus infected wounds, GSC/PBE@Lut demonstrates exceptional therapeutic benefits in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and tissue regeneration. Overall, our results suggest that smart hydrogels with controlled bioactive agent release and mechanical modulation present a promising solution for treating chronic wounds.

The Unprecedented Biodegradable Polyzwitterion: A Removal-Free Patch for Accelerating Infected Diabetic Wound Healing

Zwitterionic polymers have emerged as an important class of biomaterials to construct wound dressings and antifouling coatings over the past decade due to their excellent hydrophilicity. However, all the reported zwitterionic polymers as wound dressings are nondegradable because of noncleavable carbon─carbon bonding backbones, and must be removed periodically after treatment to avoid hypoxia in the wound, thus leading to potential secondary injury. In this work, a biodegradable polyzwitterion patch is fabricated for the first time by ring-opening polymerization of carboxybetaine dithiolane (CBDS), which is self-crosslinked via inter-amide hydrogen bonds and zwitterionic dipole-dipole interactions on the side chains. The unprecedented polyCBDS (PCBDS) patch demonstrates enough ductility owing to the intermolecular physical interactions to fully cover irregular wounds, also showing excellent biodegradability and antifouling performance resulted from the existence of disulfide bonds and carboxybetaine groups. Besides, the PCBDS degradation-induced released CBDS owns potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This PCBDS patch is used as a diabetic wound dressing, inhibiting bacterial adhesion on the external surface, and its degradation products can exactly kill bacteria and scavenge excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the wound site to regulate local microenvironment, including regulation of cytokine express and macrophage polarization, accelerating infected diabetic wound repair, and also avoiding the potential secondary injury.

Engineering extracellular vesicles for ROS scavenging and tissue regeneration

Stem cell therapy holds promise for tissue regeneration, yet significant challenges persist. Emerging as a safer and potentially more effective alternative, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from stem cells exhibit remarkable abilities to activate critical signaling cascades, thereby facilitating tissue repair. EVs, nano-scale membrane vesicles, mediate intercellular communication by encapsulating a diverse cargo of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Their therapeutic potential lies in delivering cargos, activating signaling pathways, and efficiently mitigating oxidative stress-an essential aspect of overcoming limitations in stem cell-based tissue repair. This review focuses on engineering and applying EVs in tissue regeneration, emphasizing their role in regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways. Additionally, we explore strategies to enhance EV therapeutic activity, including functionalization and incorporation of antioxidant defense proteins. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for optimizing EV-based regenerative therapies. Insights into EV and ROS signaling modulation pave the way for targeted and efficient regenerative therapies harnessing the potential of EVs.