Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important health issues worldwide. The rising incidence of the disease has resulted in a parallel increase of complications such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). It is estimated that 25% of patients with diabetes will develop foot ulcers over a lifetime. In Mexico, this lifetime incidence is about 40% to 50%, and 20% of the cases will require amputations. DFU can result in staggering financial burdens for the healthcare system and the patient. Therapies that promote rapid and complete healing and reduce the need for expensive surgical procedures would impact these costs susbtantially. Method. Cu/TiO2–SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by T. López et al. sol-gel patented method. After synthesis, they were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction. Then, they were embedded into a polymeric gel matrix. The Cu/TiO2–SiO2 nanogel was used as conservative therapy for a chronic non-healing DFU on a 62-year old female with several comorbidities and chronic complications of diabetes. Wound debridement was performed prior to nanogel administration. The nanogel was applied over the ulcer on alternate days for an initial period of 2 weeks, and then continued for 10 months. Results. Significant improvement was observed in the wound healing process since the first applications. The infection was limited and tissue regeneration was enhanced until complete healing of the ulcer. Conclusion. Cu/TiO2–SiO2 nanogel therapy enhanced reepithelialization and healing of the DFU. The successful outcome allowed to avoid the amputation that was proposed for the patient.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) exhibit 80% of prevalence in Mexico. Efficient tissue regeneration therapies are the key factors to avoid amputations. Objective: In this study, the healing properties of a Cu/TiO2-SiO2 nanobiocatalyst applied in DFUs were analyzed. Furthermore, the morphology and crystalline structures were characterized. Methods: The nanobiocatalyst was synthesized by López et al. sol-gel patented method. The compound was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies and X-ray diffraction. The nanoparticles were embedded in a polymeric gel matrix (nanogel), which was utilized as a conservative therapy for chronic non-healing DFU in 8 patients with several comorbidities and chronic complications of diabetes. Wound debridement was performed prior to the nanogel administration. The nanogel was applied over the ulcers on alternate days for different periods of time, depending on the case. Results: Significant improvement in terms of enhanced epithelialization was observed in the wound healing process after a few applications. Infection spread was limited, and tissue regeneration was enhanced, with important healing of the ulcers observed on each case. Furthermore, the successful outcome allowed to avoid the amputations that were proposed to some of the patients. Conclusion: The study proved the efficiency of the nanobiocatalyst as a safe, conservative therapy for chronic nonhealing DFUs. Further investigation must be carried out to fully elucidate the wound-healing mechanisms of the nanoparticles.