An All‐In‐One Dendrobium Ionic Hydrogel with Wound Microenvironment Remodeling for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetic wounds pose a complex clinical challenge due to their intricate pathological microenvironment and delayed healing process. Herein, an all-in-one multifunctional Dendrobium ionic hydrogel (OPP@DOP) that integrates excellent biocompatibility, adhesion, conductivity, mechanical properties, and antibacterial activity is developed. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits sustained release of the DOP drug. These features synergistically promote wound repair in infected diabetic wounds.

Abstract

Diabetic wounds pose a complex clinical challenge due to their intricate pathological microenvironment and delayed healing process. To address this challenge, this work has developed a multifunctional all-in-one ionic hydrogel through dynamic Schiff base and amide bond crosslinking between the aldehyde groups on oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) and the amino groups on 1-(3-aminopropyl)-3-(4-vinylbenzyl) imidazole salts, in which Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOP) is embedded via electrostatic interactions in the form of ionic hydrogel (OPP@DOP). The OSA and polyionic liquid enable good biocompatibility, high water containment, high swelling rate, moderate adhesion, antioxidant activity, electrical conductivity, and efficient antibacterial activity against MRSA at early stages. A sustained release of DOP is then realized and exhibits anti-inflammation, antioxidant, further promoted angiogenesis via AKT signaling pathway. These effects significantly promote re-epithelialization and collagen deposition and increase angiogenesis in wound tissue. Besides, it regulates the macrophage phenotype from the M1 subtype to the M2 subtype and reduces the expression levels of inflammatory factors, thus accelerating wound healing. The development of this multifunctional ionic hydrogel harnesses the profound potential of traditional Chinese medicine, offering a promising potential for treating diabetic wounds.