Electrospinning Device: An artificial composite silk protein scaffold effectively promotes diabetic wound healing

Background

Chronic diabetic wound healing is a global clinical challenge, mainly due to the disorder of wound microenvironment caused by high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The artificial composite scaffold of naringin/carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium hyaluronate/silk fibroin (NG/CMCS/HA/SF) manufactured by Hu Zhicheng's team has shown great potential in promoting diabetic wound healing.

Preparation and characterization of the scaffold

The composite scaffold was completed by freeze drying and showed a porous structure, which is conducive to cell growth and angiogenesis. All scaffolds showed high water absorption and good water vapor permeability, among which the CMCS/HA/SF scaffold had the highest water absorption.

Antioxidant and pro-angiogenic properties

NG/CMCS/HA/SF scaffolds showed good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pro-angiogenic properties in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, effectively promoting diabetic wound healing. The scaffold can alleviate ROS-induced endothelial cell and macrophage dysfunction, promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis, while promoting macrophage polarization, forming the M2 phenotype of tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.

In vivo diabetic wound healing assessment

The wounds treated with NG/CMCS/HA/SF scaffolds were almost completely healed at day 15, showing a faster wound healing process than other scaffolds. In addition, the scaffolds showed a more obvious effect in reducing the level of ROS in the wound.

Histological evaluation and vascularization

The NG/CMCS/HA/SF scaffold group showed enhanced collagen deposition from the early stage, and the collagen fibers in the skin tissue were denser, thicker, and more neatly arranged. At day 10, the neovascularization in the NG/CMCS/HA/SF scaffold group was significantly enhanced.

Link with electrospinning

Application in the biomedical field: Electrospinning technology is used to manufacture polymer fibers with diameters ranging from micrometers to nanometers. By combining silk fibroin with synthetic and/or natural polymers, electrospun materials with excellent biological, chemical, electrical, physical, mechanical, and optical properties can be obtained. These materials have important applications in tissue regeneration, disease treatment, and the development of controlled drug delivery systems, especially in the field of diabetic wound healing.

Conclusion

The NG/CMCS/HA/SF composite scaffold designed by Hu Zhicheng's team not only has the physical properties of wound dressings, but also can actively regulate the wound microenvironment and effectively manage the ROS microenvironment, thereby promoting the healing of full-thickness diabetic wounds. This scaffold has become a promising tool for accelerating wound healing and shows great application potential in a wide range of biomedical fields.

Electrospinning Nanofibers Article Source:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129348