Ellagic Acid-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex-Loaded Thiol-Ene Hydrogel with Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anti-inflammatory Properties for Wound Healing

Ellagic Acid-Loaded sEVs Encapsulated in GelMA Hydrogel Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing by Activating EGFR on Skin Repair Cells

Delayed diabetic wound healing is partially attributed to the functional disorder of skin repair cells caused by high glucose (HG). Small extracellular vehicles (sEVs) loaded with small-molecule drugs represent a highly promising therapeutic strategy. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ellagic acid-encapsulated small extracellular vesicles (EA-sEVs) in diabetic wound regeneration and to unravel related mechanisms. Cytotoxicity tests of ellagic acid (EA) as liposomal small molecules (LSMs) were performed with the CCK8 assay. EA was incorporated into sEVs obtained from chorionic plate-mesenchymal stem cells (CP-MSCs) to construct EA-engineered sEVs. The protective effects of EA-sEVs on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) induced by high glucose (HG) were assessed through the evaluation of their proliferative, migrative and differentiative capabilities. Furthermore, to illustrate the underlying mechanism, the specific biological targets of EA were predicted and confirmed. Finally, EA-sEVs were encapsulated in GelMA hydrogel for investigating the pro-healing effects on diabetic wounds. EA was harmless to cell viability, increasing the possibility and safety of drug development. EA-engineered sEVs were fabricated by loading EA in sEVs. In vitro, EA-sEVs promoted the proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation of HG-HDFs and the proliferation and migration of HG-HEKs. Mechanism analysis elucidated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was the specific biological target of EA. EA interacting with EGFR was responsible for the functional improvement of HG-HDFs and HG-HEKs. In vivo, EA-sEVs encapsulated in GelMA promoted the healing of diabetic wounds by improving re-epithelialisation, collagen formation and the expression of EGFR. Gel-EA-sEVs promoted diabetic wound healing by improving biological functions of HDFs and HEKs. EGFR was first identified as the specific biological target of EA and was responsible for the functional improvement of HG-HDFs and HG-HEKs by Gel-EA-sEVs. Hence, Gel-EA-sEVs can serve as a new promising active dressing for diabetic wound treatment.

PEGNB-Heparin-Liposome composite hydrogels for in situ spraying and ultra-fast adhesion: meeting the challenges of endothelial repair of vascular injury

Carotid atherosclerosis is an essential cause of transient cerebral ischemia, stroke, and other cerebrovascular diseases, and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is currently the most effective treatment for removing plaque and restoring the vascular lumen. However, the CEA disrupts the integrity and functionality of the endothelium and predisposes it to complications such as restenosis and thrombosis. Hydrogels can closely mimic the natural extracellular matrix, allowing a wide tuning of physical and chemical properties. These properties make hydrogels the most promising candidate materials for the repair of vascular injured intima. In this study, a multifunctional intimal repair hydrogel of poly(ethylene glycol)-norbornene (PEGNB)/ Heparin/ Liposome is proposed with the advantages of ultra-rapid adhesion to the wet tissue of the vascular inner wall, maintenance of adhesion stability under continuous erosion by blood flow. The hydrogel was supplemented with poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) to reduce its swelling rate, and Rapamycin (RAPA) was encapsulated in this study as the drug into the cationic liposomes. This composite multifunctional (PNHB@Lip(RAPA)) hydrogel has exhibited outstanding anti-coagulation properties, markedly suppressed the proliferation and migration of SMCs, and displayed favourable cytocompatibility and blood compatibility. Concurrently, the capacity of the PNHB@Lip(RAPA) hydrogel to stimulate endovascular regeneration and deter restenosis and thrombus formation was validated through carotid intima damage repair experiments. These findings collectively indicate that the PNHB@Lip(RAPA) hydrogel represents a promising material for intimal injury repair, offering innovative insights into intimal repair methodologies. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Carotid atherosclerosis is a leading cause of transient cerebral ischemia, stroke, and cerebrovascular disorders. Although carotid endarterectomy (CEA) effectively removes plaques, it damages endothelial integrity, increasing the risk of restenosis and thrombosis. To address this, we developed PNHB@Lip(RAPA), a multifunctional intimal repair hydrogel composed of PEGNB, heparin, and rapamycin-encapsulated liposomes. This hydrogel rapidly adheres to wet vascular walls, resists blood flow erosion, and exhibits low swelling. The hydrogel demonstrates superior anticoagulation, inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, and shows favourable cytocompatibility. Experimental results confirm its ability to promote endovascular regeneration while preventing restenosis and thrombosis. In summary, PNHB@Lip(RAPA) hydrogel is a promising material for intimal repair, offering innovative solutions to improve CEA postoperative outcomes.

Natural Ellagic Acid-Polyphenol ″Sandwich Biscuit″ Self-Assembled Solubilizing System for Formation Mechanism and Antibacterial Synergia

Ellagic acid (EA) has limited utility due to its extremely low solubility. Inspired by the naturally high content of EA in Triphala, the research group discovered that there might be noncovalent self-assembled nanoaggregates centered on EA in natural polyphenols that could significantly improve EA's solubility and enhance its antibacterial activity. Therefore, seven polyphenols that we found were potentially involved in EA self-assembly were separated and identified from Triphala, and 18 binary, ternary, and quaternary self-assembly systems were constructed by combining them with EA. Finally, a ternary self-assembled solubilizing system centered on ellagic acid-gallic acid-catechin (EA-GA-CA) was established. The system could improve the solubility of EA from 0.95 to 171.345 μg·mL-1, leading to a notable 180-fold increase, and the stability of EA in water was increased 3 times compared with the mixture of EA, GA, and CA, which is currently the most effective carrier-free hydrotropic solubilizing method of EA. The in vitro release rate reached about 61%, which was about 60 times higher than that of EA. Exploring the formation mechanism of the self-assembled complex revealed that EA, GA, and CA were induced by hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking to form a solubilizing structure resembling a sandwich biscuit. In addition, in vitro antibacterial experiments, biofilm clearance experiments, and infected wound healing experiments demonstrated that the EA-GA-CA complex has a better inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) than EA, GA, CA, benzylpenicillin potassium, and the mixture of EA, GA, and CA (MIC = 12.5 mM). The inhibition rate of the EA-GA-CA complex against S. aureus reaches 82.68%, and it can rapidly promote the healing of infected wounds caused by S. aureus within 4-6 days (the healing rate increased from 15 to 75%). This study aims to provide new ideas for EA's natural small molecule carrier-free self-assembly solubilization and synergistic applications.

Chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol film loading β-acids/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: A shelf-life extension strategy for strawberry

Fabricating food packaging films with multifunction (antibacterial, antioxidant, and controlled-release properties) represents a powerful strategy for extending the shelf life and enhancing the safety of perishable fruits. Herein, chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films were loaded inclusion complex (IC) with different concentrations of β-acids/β-cyclodextrin (β-acids/β-CD) or β-acids/hydroxyethyl-β-cyclodextrin (β-acids/HE-β-CD) inclusion complex. Moreover, the films' physical, chemical, and biological properties were systematically investigated. Satisfyingly, these composite films exhibited excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. As the concentration of the inclusion complex improved, the hydrophobicity of the functionalized films also enhanced (76.50°-108.59°/110.04°). Furthermore, variations in pH were discovered that it could affect β-acids release from films. A significant enhancement in the antioxidant capacity of films could be clearly observed with increased concentrations of the inclusion complex (from 5.56 % to 72.98 %/73.47 %). Additionally, films expressed outstanding antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) (inhibition zone >10.89 mm), with those loading β-acids/β-CD demonstrating a stronger antibacterial effect than those loading β-acids/HE-β-CD. For the preservation of strawberries - the typical representative of perishable fruits, the films significantly extended their shelf life to eight days. As the content of the inclusion complex of β-acids in the film increased, the weight loss dramatically reduced (39.91 % without film vs. 23.12 % with HE-β-CD@CS/PVA film). Overall, the CS/PVA films loading β-acids/β-CD display remarkable multifunctionality and value as a fresh-preserving packaging material with sustained release performance and notable bioactivity.

Plant Polyphenol-Based Injectable Hydrogels: Advances and Biomedical Applications

Plant polyphenol-based hydrogels, known for their biocompatibility and adhesive properties, have emerged as promising materials in biomedical applications. These hydrogels leverage the catechol group's ability to form stable bonds in moist environments, similar to mussel adhesive proteins. This review provides a comprehensive overview of their synthesis, adhesion mechanisms, and applications, particularly in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. However, challenges related to in vivo stability and long-term biocompatibility remain critical barriers to clinical translation. Future research should focus on enhancing the bioactivity, biocompatibility, and scalability of these hydrogels, while addressing concerns related to toxicity, immune responses, and large-scale manufacturing. Advances in artificial intelligence-assisted screening and 3D/4D bioprinting are expected to accelerate their development and clinical translation. Furthermore, the integration of biomimetic designs and responsive functionalities, such as pH or temperature sensitivity, holds promise for further improving their therapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, the development of multifunctional plant polyphenol-based hydrogels represents a promising frontier in advancing personalized medicine and minimally invasive treatments.

Quercus infectoria galls mitigates colitis in mice through alleviating mucosal barrier impairment and suppressing inflammatory factors

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xipayi Kuijie'an herbal enema preparation, a traditional Uyghur medicinal preparation derived from Quercus infectoria galls (QIG), has been clinically employed at Xinjiang Uyghur Medical Hospital for ulcerative colitis (UC) management. Despite its well-documented therapeutic efficacy, the precise mechanisms underlying its pharmacological actions remain poorly understood.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of QIG against UC through an integrated approach combining network pharmacology analysis with experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An integrated approach combining network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking simulations was employed to identify bioactive compounds and their corresponding molecular targets. The effects of QIG on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colitis were systematically investigated, including disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathological observations, as well as the determination of colonic mucosal barrier permeability and biochemical indicators.

RESULTS

QIG significantly improved DAI and CMDI scores, reduced colonic shortening, decreased colonic mucosal barrier permeability, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors and mitigated histopathological changes.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the efficacy of an integrated approach combining network pharmacology with experimental validation as a robust strategy for elucidating the therapeutic mechanisms of traditional medicines, as exemplified by the systematic investigation of QIG's anti-ulcerative colitis properties.

Polyphenols in wound healing: unlocking prospects with clinical applications

Wound healing is a multifaceted, complex process that factors like aging, metabolic diseases, and infections may influence. The potentiality of polyphenols, natural compounds, has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in promoting wound healing and their potential applications in wound management. The studies reviewed indicate that polyphenols have multiple mechanisms that promote wound healing. This involves enhancing antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory responses, improving healing times, reducing infection rates, and enhancing tissue regeneration in clinical trials and in vivo and in vitro studies. Polyphenols have been proven to be effective in managing hard-to-heal wounds, especially in diabetic and elderly populations. Polyphenols have shown significant benefits in promoting angiogenesis and stimulating collagen synthesis. Polyphenol treatment has been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects in wound healing and chronic wound management. Their ability to regulate key healing processes makes them suitable for new wound care products and treatments. Future research should enhance formulations and delivery methods to optimize polyphenols' bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in wound management approaches.

n -butanol fraction of Terminalia catappa possesses anti-Candida albicans properties and in vivo action on Tenebrio molitor alternative infection model

Current treatment of Candida infections is threatened by antifungal drug resistance. Thus, medicinal plants have been studied to identify new and highly effective antifungal substances with low toxicity. Here, we showed that the tannin-rich n-butanol fraction of Terminalia catappa (FBuOH) possesses antifungal and antibiofilm properties and protects Tenebrio molitor larvae against Candida albicans infection. FBuOH showed antifungal activity against Candida spp. vaginal isolates (MIC values ranged from 7 to 500 μg/mL). Moreover, a combination of FBuOH with fluconazole (FICI ≤0.5) showed considerably increased anti-yeast, anti-biofilm activity and significantly improved the survival rate (up to 100 %) of T. molitor larvae against C. albicans infection. Furthermore, FBuOH acted synergistically with fluconazole by reducing C. albicans membrane ergosterol content. These results could also explain the synergistic activity between FBuOH and fluconazole, indicating that FBuOH exerted its effects on C. albicans membrane integrity, increasing its permeability. Our findings provide insights into the antifungal activity and low cytotoxicity of FBuOH, showing its potential use as a new antimycotic.

Click Chemistry for Biofunctional Polymers: From Observing to Steering Cell Behavior

Click chemistry has become one of the most powerful construction tools in the field of organic chemistry, materials science, and polymer science, as it offers hassle-free platforms for the high-yielding synthesis of novel materials and easy functionalization strategies. The absence of harsh reaction conditions or complicated workup procedures allowed the rapid development of novel biofunctional polymeric materials, such as biopolymers, tailor-made polymer surfaces, stimulus-responsive polymers, etc. In this review, we discuss various types of click reactions─including azide-alkyne cycloadditions, nucleophilic and radical thiol click reactions, a range of cycloadditions (Diels-Alder, tetrazole, nitrile oxide, etc.), sulfur fluoride exchange (SuFEx) click reaction, and oxime-hydrazone click reactions─and their use for the formation and study of biofunctional polymers. Following that, we discuss state-of-the-art biological applications of "click"-biofunctionalized polymers, including both passive applications (e.g., biosensing and bioimaging) and "active" ones that aim to direct changes in biosystems, e.g., for drug delivery, antiviral action, and tissue engineering. In conclusion, we have outlined future directions and existing challenges of click-based polymers for medicinal chemistry and clinical applications.

Advances of biomacromolecule-based antibacterial hydrogels and their performance evaluation for wound healing: A review

Biomacromolecule hydrogels possess excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, but their inability to combat bacteria restricts their application in the biomedical field. With the increasing requirements and demands for hydrogel dressings, wound dressings with antibacterial properties of biomacromolecule hydrogels reinforced by adding antibacterial agents have attracted much attention, and related reviews are emerging. In this paper, the advances of biomacromolecule antibacterial hydrogels (including chitosan, sodium alginate, Hyaluronic acid, cellulose and gelatin) were first overviewed, and the antibacterial agents incorporated into hydrogels were classified (including metals and their derivatives, carbon-based materials, and native compounds). A series of performance evaluations of antibacterial hydrogels in the process of promoting wound healing were then reviewed, including basic properties (mechanical, rheological, injectable and self-healing, etc.), in vitro experiments (hemostasis, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, biocompatibility) and in vivo experiments (in vivo model, histomorphology analysis, cytokines). Finally, the future development of biomacromolecule-based antibacterial hydrogels for wound healing is prospected. This work can provide a useful reference for researchers to prepare practical new wound hydrogel dressings.

Development and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan crosslinked malic acid composite films with curcumin encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin for food packaging application

Considering that fruits are vulnerable to damage and waste during stockpiling, transport and marketing. Given this, an innovative curcumin inclusion compound (Cur@β-CD) was devised in this study to introduce oil-soluble curcumin (Cur) into water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) materials, thereby fabricating food packaging films endowed with excellent properties. DPPH test manifested that the oxidation resistance for PCOMC-Cur@β-CD film was 95 % above PVA material. It was ascribed to the fact that the Cur@β-CD elevated the water solubility of Cur while the increase of water solubility heightened the antioxidant effect for Cur in the film. Additionally, the chitosan (CS) was crosslinked with malic acid (MA), which elevated the barrier property of the film, reduced the amount of oxygen transmission and further retarded the oxidation reaction of the fruits for packaging. The antibacterial test demonstrated that the antibacterial rates of PCOMC-Cur@β-CD film against E. coli and S. aureus reached 92 % and 95 %, respectively, which was attributed to the slow release of Cur when Cur@β-CD was dissolved in PVA material and the Schiff base reaction between Cur and amino groups on CS. These findings indicate that the PCOMC-Cur@β-CD film developed in this work can provide certain insights into the field of food packaging.

Exploring the underlying pharmacological, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of phytochemicals against wounds: a molecular insight

BACKGROUND

Numerous cellular, humoral, and molecular processes are involved in the intricate process of wound healing.

PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Numerous bioactive substances, such as ß-sitosterol, tannic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol, along with their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, have been reviewed. These phytochemicals work together to promote angiogenesis, granulation, collagen synthesis, oxidative balance, extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and re-epithelialization during wound healing.

FINDINGS AND NOVELTY

To improve wound contraction, this review delves into how the application of each bioactive molecule mediates with the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing to speed up the process. This review also reveals the underlying mechanisms of the phytochemicals against different stages of wound healing along with the differentiation of the in vitro evidence from the in vivo evidence There is growing interest in phytochemicals, or plant-derived compounds, due their potential health benefits. This calls for more scientific analysis and mechanistic research. The various pathways that these phytochemicals control/modulate to improve skin regeneration and wound healing are also briefly reviewed. The current review also elaborates the immunomodulatory modes of action of different phytochemicals during wound repair.

Nanophytomedicine: A promising practical approach in phytotherapy

The long and rich history of herbal therapeutic nutrients is fascinating. It is incredible to think about how ancient civilizations used plants and herbs to treat various ailments and diseases. One group of bioactive phytochemicals that has gained significant attention recently is dietary polyphenols. These compounds are commonly found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, drinks, legumes, and grains. Despite their incredible therapeutic properties, one challenge with polyphenols is their poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This means that they are not easily absorbed by the body when consumed in essential diets. Because of structural complexity, polyphenols with high molecular weight cannot be absorbed in the small intestine and after arriving in the colon, they are metabolized by gut microbiota. However, researchers are constantly working on finding solutions to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of these compounds. This study aims to address this issue by applying nanotechnology approaches to overcome the challenges of the therapeutic application of dietary polyphenols. This combination of nanotechnology and phytochemicals could cause a completely new field called nanophytomedicine or herbal nanomedicine.

Photoresponsive Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

Hydrophilic and biocompatible hydrogels are widely applied as ideal scaffolds in tissue engineering. The "smart" gelation material can alter its structural, physiochemical, and functional features in answer to various endo/exogenous stimuli to better biomimic the endogenous extracellular matrix for the engineering of cells and tissues. Light irradiation owns a high spatial-temporal resolution, complete biorthogonal reactivity, and fine-tunability and can thus induce physiochemical reactions within the matrix of photoresponsive hydrogels with good precision, efficiency, and safety. Both gel structure (e.g., geometry, porosity, and dimension) and performance (like conductivity and thermogenic or mechanical properties) can hence be programmed on-demand to yield the biochemical and biophysical signals regulating the morphology, growth, motility, and phenotype of engineered cells and tissues. Here we summarize the strategies and mechanisms for encoding light-reactivity into a hydrogel and demonstrate how fantastically such responsive gels change their structure and properties with light irradiation as desired and thus improve their applications in tissue engineering including cargo delivery, dynamic three-dimensional cell culture, and tissue repair and regeneration, aiming to provide a basis for more and better translation of photoresponsive hydrogels in the clinic.

Collagen Scaffolds Functionalized by Cu2+-Chelated EGCG Nanoparticles with Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Oxidation, Vascularization, and Anti-Bacterial Activities for Accelerating Wound Healing

Skin injury is a common health problem worldwide, and the highly complex healing process poses critical challenges for its management. Therefore, wound dressings with salutary effects are urgently needed for wound care. However, traditional wound dressing with a single function often fails to meet the needs of wound repair, and the integration of multiple functions has been required for wound repair. Herein, Cu2+-chelated epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticles (EAC NPs), with radical scavenging, inflammation relieving, bacteria restraining, and vascularization accelerating capacities, are adopted to functionalize collagen scaffold, aiming to promote wound healing. Radical scavenging experiments verify that EAC NPs could efficiently scavenge radicals. Additionally, EAC NPs could effectively remove Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. H2O2 stimuli-responsive EAC NPs show slow and sustained release properties of Cu2+. Furthermore, EAC NPs exhibit protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative-stress damage and anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. Physicochemical characterizations show that the introduction of EAC NPs does not disrupt the gelation behavior of collagen, and the composite scaffolds (CS) remain porous structure similar to collagen scaffold. Animal experiments demonstrate that CS could promote wound healing through improving the thickness of renascent epidermis and number of new vessels. CS with multiple salutary functions is a promising dressing for wound care.

Antibacterial, Fatigue-Resistant, and Self-Healing Dressing from Natural-Based Composite Hydrogels for Infected Wound Healing

The treatment of infected wounds faces substantial challenges due to the high incidence and serious infection-related complications. Natural-based hydrogel dressings with favorable antibacterial properties and strong applicability are urgently needed. Herein, we developed a composite hydrogel by constructing multiple networks and loading ciprofloxacin for infected wound healing. The hydrogel was synthesized via a Schiff base reaction between carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized sodium alginate, followed by the polymerization of the acrylamide monomer. The resultant hydrogel dressing possessed a good self-healing ability, considerable compression strength, and reliable compression fatigue resistance. In vitro assessment showed that the composite hydrogel effectively eliminated bacteria and exhibited an excellent biocompatibility. In a model of Staphylococcus aureus-infected full-thickness wounds, wound healing was significantly accelerated without scars through the composite hydrogel by reducing wound inflammation. Overall, this study opens up a new way for developing multifunctional hydrogel wound dressings to treat wound infections.

Wound microenvironment self-adaptive all-in-one hydrogel for rapid healing of the diabetic wound

The natural healing of diabetic wounds is collectively impeded by multiple factors, including hyperglycemia, angiogenesis disorders, acute oxidative stress, and prolonged inflammation. Although considerable effort has been devoted to solving these problems, the treatment of diabetic wounds remains a major clinical obstacle. In light of this, we developed an innovative wound microenvironment self-adaptive hydrogel to promote the healing of diabetic wounds. The hydrogel was constructed by the crosslinking of 3-aminobenzeneboronic acid (PBA)-modified gelatin (Gel) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by borate ester bonds, which showed high responsiveness to glucose. Meanwhile, the liposomes that encapsulated metformin, L-arginine, and L(+)-ascorbic acid were incorporated into the hydrogel framework. The hydrogel@lipo composite demonstrated shape adaptability, glucose responsiveness, and all-in-one capability, thereby effectively improving the intricate microenvironment of diabetic wounds. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the ability of hydrogel@lipo to mitigate oxidative stress, enhance angiogenesis, and attenuate inflammatory responses. Consequently, the hydrogel@lipo could accelerate diabetic wound healing (within two weeks). The cumulative findings strongly suggest the potential of hydrogel@lipo as a highly promising therapeutic dressing for advancing diabetic wound recovery.

The Effects of Ellagic Acid on Experimental Corrosive Esophageal Burn Injury

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of Ellagic acid (EA) on wound healing in sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-induced corrosive esophageal burn injury. The interaction networks and functional annotations were conducted using Cytoscape software. A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were divided into control, corrosive esophageal burn (CEB) and CEB + EA groups. Burn injury was created by 20% NaOH and 30 mg/kg EA was per oral administered to rats. At the end of the 28-day experimental period, Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured. Esophageal tissue samples were processed for histological staining. The EA-target interaction network was revealed to be involved in regulating crucial cellular mechanisms for burn wound healing, with epidermal growth factor (EGF) identified as a central mediator. An increase in animal weight in the CEB + EA group was observed in the EA-treated group after CEB injury. Burn injury increased MDA content, but EA treatment decreased its level after CEB injury. Stenosis index, collagen degeneration, inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis levels were increased after CEB injury. EA treatment improved histopathology in the CEB + EA group compared to the CEB group. The expression of EGF was decreased in the CEB group but upregulated in the EA-treated group, suggesting a potential involvement of EA in cellular processes and tissue regeneration. EA, through its antioxidative and tissue regenerative properties, significantly contributes to alleviating the adverse effects of CEB injury, promoting wound healing.

Facile one-pot synthesis of flower-like ellagic acid microparticles incorporating anti-microbial peptides for enhanced wound healing

Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) have gained significant attention as potential antimicrobial agents due to their cytocompatibility and reduced drug resistance. However, AMPs often suffer from low stability due to their vulnerable molecular structure. This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for ellagic acid (EA)-based, flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles, combining the antibacterial properties of EA with AMPs. The resulting particles exhibit an enlarged surface area for the adsorption or embedding of AMPs, enhancing their antibacterial efficacy. Furthermore, in vitro evaluations demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and broad-spectrum activity against bacterial strains including both Gram-positive S. epidermidis and Gram-negative E. coli. In vivo studies indicate AMPs@EAMPs' potential to reconstruct the immune barrier, inhibit pathogens, and reduce inflammation, promoting orderly tissue repair. This innovative synthesis strategy provides a straightforward and effective approach for large-scale production of flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles with remarkable antibacterial properties, addressing the challenges associated with MDR infections.

Engineered cyclodextrin-based supramolecular hydrogels for biomedical applications

Cyclodextrin (CD)-based supramolecular hydrogels are polymer network systems with the ability to rapidly form reversible three-dimensional porous structures through multiple cross-linking methods, offering potential applications in drug delivery. Although CD-based supramolecular hydrogels have been increasingly used in a wide range of applications in recent years, a comprehensive description of their structure, mechanical property modulation, drug loading, delivery, and applications in biomedical fields from a cross-linking perspective is lacking. To provide a comprehensive overview of CD-based supramolecular hydrogels, this review systematically describes their design, regulation of mechanical properties, modes of drug loading and release, and their roles in various biomedical fields, particularly oncology, wound dressing, bone repair, and myocardial tissue engineering. Additionally, this review provides a rational discussion on the current challenges and prospects of CD-based supramolecular hydrogels, which can provide ideas for the rapid development of CD-based hydrogels and foster their translation from the laboratory to clinical medicine.

Effect of Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid on Human Fibroblasts In Vitro: A Preliminary Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Potential

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate is a fruit that contains various phenolic compounds, including punicalagin and ellagic acid, which have been attributed to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties, among others.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of punicalagin and ellagic acid on the viability, migration, cell cycle, and antigenic profile of cultured human fibroblasts (CCD-1064Sk). MTT spectrophotometry was carried out to determine cell viability, cell culture inserts were used for migration trials, and flow cytometry was performed for antigenic profile and cell cycle analyses. Cells were treated with each phenolic compound for 24 h at doses of 10-5 to 10-9 M.

RESULTS

Cell viability was always significantly higher in treated versus control cells except for punicalagin at 10-9 M. Doses of punicalagin and ellagic acid in subsequent assays were 10-6 M or 10-7 M, which increased the cell migration capacity and upregulated fibronectin and α-actin expression without altering the cell cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

These in vitro findings indicate that punicalagin and ellagic acid promote fibroblast functions that are involved in epithelial tissue healing.

Effects of Phenolics on the Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Collagen Hydrogel

In the current era, the treatment of collagen hydrogels with natural phenolics for the improvement in physicochemical properties has been the subject of considerable attention. The present research aimed to fabricate collagen hydrogels cross-linked with gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA) at different concentrations depending on the collagen dry weight. The structural, enzymatic, thermal, morphological, and physical properties of the native collagen hydrogels were compared with those of the GA/EA cross-linked hydrogels. XRD and FTIR spectroscopic analyses confirmed the structural stability and reliability of the collagen after treatment with either GA or EA. The cross-linking also significantly contributed to the improvement in the storage modulus, of 435 Pa for 100% GA cross-linked hydrogels. The thermal stability was improved, as the highest residual weight of 43.8% was obtained for the hydrogels cross-linked with 50% GA in comparison with all the other hydrogels. The hydrogels immersed in 30%, 50%, and 100% concentrations of GA also showed improved swelling behavior and porosity, and the highest resistance to type 1 collagenase (76.56%), was obtained for 50% GA cross-linked collagen hydrogels. Moreover, GA 100% and EA 100% obtained the highest denaturation temperatures (Td) of 74.96 °C and 75.78 °C, respectively. In addition, SEM analysis was also carried out to check the surface morphology of the pristine collagen hydrogels and the cross-linked collagen hydrogels. The result showed that the hydrogels cross-linked with GA/EA were denser and more compact. However, the improved physicochemical properties were probably due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the phenolic hydroxyl groups of GA and EA and the nitrogen atoms of the collagen backbone. The presence of inter- and intramolecular cross-links between collagen and GA or EA components and an increased density of intermolecular bonds suggest potential hydrogen bonding or hydrophobic interactions. Overall, the present study paves the way for further investigations in the field by providing valuable insights into the GA/EA interaction with collagen molecules.

A multifunctional sensor for real-time monitoring and pro-healing of frostbite wounds

Flexible epidermal sensors based on conductive hydrogels hold great promise for various applications, such as wearable electronics and personal healthcare monitoring. However, the integration of conductive hydrogel epidermal sensors into multiple applications remains challenging. In this study, a multifunctional PAAm/PEG/hydrolyzed keratin (Hereinafter referred to as HK)/MXene conductive hydrogel (PPHM hydrogel) was designed as a high-performance therapeutic all-in-one epidermal sensor. This sensor not only accelerates wound healing but also provides wearable human-computer interaction. The developed sensor possesses highly sensitive sensing properties (Gauge Factor = 4.82 at high strain), strong mechanical tensile properties (capable of achieving a maximum elongation at break of 600 %), rapid self-healing capability, stable self-adhesive capability, biocompatibility, freeze resistance at -20 °C, and adjustable photo-thermal conversion capability. This therapeutic all-in-one sensor can sensitively monitor human movements, enabling the detection of small electrophysiological signals for diagnosing relevant activities and diseases. Furthermore, using a rat frostbite model, we demonstrated that the composite hydrogel sensor can serve as an effective wound dressing to accelerate the healing process. This study serves as a valuable reference for the development of multifunctional flexible epidermal sensors for personal smart health monitoring. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Accelerated wound healing reduces the risk of wound infection, and conductive hydrogel-based sensors can monitor physiological signals. The multifunctional application of conductive hydrogel sensors combined with wound diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities can meet personalized medical requirements for wound healing and sensor monitoring. The aim of this study is to develop a multifunctional hydrogel patch. The multifunctional hydrogel can be assembled into a flexible wearable high-performance diagnostic and therapeutic integrated sensor that can effectively accelerate the healing of frostbite wounds and satisfy the real-time monitoring of multi-application scenarios. We expect that this study will inform efforts to integrate wound therapy and sensor monitoring.

UV-polymerizable methacrylated gelatin (GelMA)-based hydrogel containing tannic acids for wound healing

Gelatin-based photopolymerizable methacrylate hydrogel (GelMA) is a promising biomaterial for in situ drug delivery, while aqueous extract of Punica granatum (AEPG) peel fruit rich in gallic acid and ellagic acid is used to improve wound healing. The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the healing properties of GelMA containing AEPG, gallic acid, or ellagic acid in a rodent model. GelMA hydrogels containing 5% AEPG (GelMA-PG), 1.6% gallic acid (GelMA-GA), or 2.1% ellagic acid (GelMA-EA) were produced and their mechanical properties, enzymatic degradation, and thermogravimetric profile determined. Wound closure rates, healing histological grading, and immunohistochemical counts of myofibroblasts were assessed over time. The swelling of hydrogels varied between 50 and 90%, and GelMA exhibited a higher swelling than the other groups. The GPG samples showed higher compression and Young's moduli than GelMA, GGA, and GAE. All samples degraded around 95% in 48 h. GPG and GGA significantly accelerated wound closure, improved collagenization, increased histological grading, and hastened myofibroblast differentiation in comparison to the control, GelMA, and GEA. GelMA containing AEPG (GPG) improved wound healing, and although gallic acid is the major responsible for such biological activity, a potential synergic effect played by other polyphenols present in the extract is evident.

Carbon Dots' Potential in Wound Healing: Inducing M2 Macrophage Polarization and Demonstrating Antibacterial Properties for Accelerated Recovery

Bacterial infections and persistent inflammation can impede the intrinsic healing process of wounds. To combat this issue, researchers have delved into the potential use of carbon dots (CDs) in the regulation of inflammation and counteract infections. These CDs were synthesized using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process and have demonstrated outstanding antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, CDs displayed biocompatibility at therapeutic concentrations and the ability to specifically target mitochondria. CD treatment effectively nullified lipopolysaccharide-triggered reactive oxygen species production by macrophages, while simultaneously promoting macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2), leading to a reduction in inflammation and an acceleration in wound healing. In vitro scratch assays also revealed that CDs facilitated the tissue-repairing process by stimulating epithelial cell migration during reepithelialization. In vivo studies using CDs topically applied to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated wounds in C57/BL6 mice demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing due to enhanced fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. Crucially, histological investigations showed no indications of systemic toxicity in vital organs. Collectively, the application of CDs has shown immense potential in speeding up the wound-healing process by regulating inflammation, preventing bacterial infections, and promoting tissue repair. These results suggest that further clinical translation of CDs should be considered.