Facile Reactive Oxygen Species-Scavenging Supramolecular Hydrogel to Promote Diabetic Wound Healing

Abstract

Chronic wound healing impairment is a significant complication in diabetes. Hydrogels that maintain wound moisture and enable sustained drug release have become prominent for enhancing chronic wound care. Particularly, hydrogels that respond to reactive oxygen species (ROS) are sought-after for their dual capacity to mitigate ROS and facilitate controlled drug delivery at the wound site. We have strategically designed an ROS-responsive and scavenging supramolecular hydrogel composed of the simple hexapeptide Glu-Phe-Met-Phe-Met-Glu (EFM). This hydrogelator, composed solely of canonical amino acids without additional ROS-sensitive motifs, forms a hydrogel rapidly upon sonication. Interaction with ROS leads to the oxidation of Met residues to methionine sulfoxide, triggering hydrogel disassembly and consequent payload release. Cellular assays have verified their biocompatibility and efficacy in promoting cell proliferation and migration. In vivo investigations underscore the potential of this straightforward hydrogel as an ROS-scavenger and drug delivery vehicle, enhancing wound healing in diabetic mice. The simplicity and effectiveness of this hydrogel suggest its broader biomedical applications in the future.

Poly(ionic liquid)-Flocculated Chlorella Loading Bactericidal and Antioxidant Hydrogel as a Biological Hydrogen Therapy for Diabetic Wound Dressing

“…Elimination (or reduction) of excess ROS is a promising strategy to promote diabetic wound healing by reducing and preventing inflammation. , Hydrogen gas (H 2 ), a new antioxidant, has been used in selective reduction of hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite and plays a crucial role in promoting the expression of antioxidant enzymes, downregulating inflammatory factors − and regulating the wound microenvironment . More importantly, the reducibility of H 2 endows it with the characteristics of selective ROS elimination and effective chronic inflammation reduction .…”