Multifunctional injectable hydrogel loaded with cerium-containing bioactive glass nanoparticles for diabetic wound healing

Abstract

Diabetic foot wound healing is a major clinical problem due to impaired angiogenesis and bacterial infection. Therefore, an effective regenerative dressing is desiderated with the function of promoting revascularization and anti-bacteria. Herein, a multifunctional injectable composite hy-drogel was prepared by incorporation of the cerium-containing bioactive glass (Ce-BG) into Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel. The Ce-BG was synthesized by combining sol-gel method with template method, which maintained spherical shape, chemical structure and phase constitution of bioactive glass (BG). The Ce-BG/GelMA hydrogels had good cytocompatibility, promoted endothe-lial cells migration and tube formation by releasing Si ion. In vitro antibacterial tests showed that 5 mol % CeO2-containing bioactive glass/GelMA (5/G) composite hydrogel exhibited excellent anti-bacterial properties. In vivo study demonstrated that the 5/G hydrogel could significantly improve wound healing in diabetic rats by accelerating the formation of granulation tissue, collagen deposi-tion and angiogenesis. All in all, these results indicate that the 5/G hydrogel could enhance diabetic wound healing. Therefore, the development of multifunctional materials with antibacterial and an-giogenic functions is of great significance to promote the repair of diabetic wound healing.