Work

Three-dimensional-printed ROS-scavenging and immunomodulatory hydrogel accelerates diabetic wound healing through synergistic microenvironment regulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The management of diabetic wounds remains clinically challenging, primarily owing to three interrelated pathological mechanisms: excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), dysregulated angiogenesis and sustained, non-resolving inflammation. To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional 3D-printed nanoparticle enhanced bionic skin (3D-NEBS) by integrating polydopamine-gallium-arginine nanoparticles (PDA-Ga-Arg) into a self-healing hydrogel matrix composed of oxidized Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, carboxymethyl chitosan and fish gelatin. The resulting dressing exhibited mechanical adaptability, pH-responsive release, robust ROS-scavenging capacity and targeted immunomodulatory activity. In vitro, 3D-NEBS promoted M2 macrophage polarization, reduced inflammation, enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production and improved endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Broad-spectrum efficacy was confirmed, with significant growth inhibition observed against S. aureus and E. coli. In a diabetic rat model, 3D-NEBS achieved 92.79% ± 0.39% wound closure within 14 days, with enhanced collagen deposition and neovascularization. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of pathways related to collagen synthesis, antioxidant response and immune regulation. This study presents a synergistic hydrogel-nanoparticle platform with strong potential for diabetic wound repair.

Source: Regenerative Biomaterials

DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbag066