Construction of pH-Sensitive Multifunctional Hydrogel with Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Effect for Treatment of Diabetic Wounds

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> A sustainable inflammatory response is a significant obstacle for diabetic wound care. In this study, the pH-sensitive multifunctional hydrogel ODex/BSA-Zn was fabricated via a Schiff base and coordination force for the first time. <b>Methods:</b>...

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Main Authors: Xiaoyan Sun, Yan Li, Haifeng Wang, Yanqiu Meng, Xu Dai, Lina Du, Lei Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Pharmaceutics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/5/644
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Summary:<b>Background/Objectives:</b> A sustainable inflammatory response is a significant obstacle for diabetic wound care. In this study, the pH-sensitive multifunctional hydrogel ODex/BSA-Zn was fabricated via a Schiff base and coordination force for the first time. <b>Methods:</b> The hydrogel consisted of oxidized dextran (ODex), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and zinc ions (Zn<sup>2+</sup>) in the absence of an additional crosslinking agent. <b>Results:</b> The hydrogel showed excellent mechanical stability, fast self-healing ability, and significant anti-inflammatory effects, as demonstrated by the formation of dynamic covalent bonds between the aldehyde group (-CHO) of ODex and the amino group (-NH<sub>2</sub>) of BSA via the Schiff base reaction, as well as the metal-ion coordination reaction of Zn<sup>2+</sup> with the imidazole ring of BSA. In a diabetic mouse full-thickness cutaneous defect wound model, the ODex/BSA-Zn hydrogel could effectively inhibit the inflammatory response and increase collagen deposition, thereby accelerating the transition of macrophage M1 to M2 and promoting wound closure. This study offers a promising therapeutic approach for managing long-term diabetic ulcers.
ISSN:1999-4923