Work

Engineered human plasma-derived cryogels as a multifunctional scaffold to promote diabetic wound healing

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Chronic wounds, characterized by prolonged inflammation and impaired tissue regeneration, represent a critical clinical challenge, particularly in diabetic patients. Conventional therapies often fail to address the multifaceted demands of healing, which requires integrated structural support, bioactive signaling, and immune modulation. To overcome these limitations, we engineered a macroporous cryogel scaffold from methacryloyl-modified human plasma (PlasmaMA) via cryopolymerization. This process transforms the native bioactivity of plasma into a stable, biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM)-like architecture with tunable mechanical resilience and degradability. The resulting PlasmaMA cryogel inherently retains essential human ECM proteins (e.g., albumin, fibronectin, fibrinogen) and growth factors (e.g., VEGF), which collectively facilitate robust cell adhesion, sustain pro-regenerative signaling, and promote angiogenesis. In vitro , the scaffold demonstrates potent antioxidant activity and attenuates pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages. In a diabetic rat wound model, the PlasmaMA cryogel significantly accelerated wound closure, enhanced collagen deposition and maturation, and improved functional neovascularization compared to scaffolds derived from bovine or human serum albumin. By converging native bioactivity with engineered material properties, the PlasmaMA cryogel creates a pro-healing microenvironment that actively orchestrates tissue repair. This work establishes a versatile human plasma-derived platform as a promising multifunctional therapy for complex wound healing. The human plasma-derived methacrylated cryogel leverages intrinsic VEGF to promote angiogenesis, while diverse plasma components synergistically confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-collagen deposition effects. By integrating immune modulation with tissue repair, this cryogel presents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.

Source: Materials Today Bio

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103151

Authors: Yueming Zhao, Jiajun Hu, Kairui Duan, Tingting Li, Mian Lin, Bae Hoon Lee

Institutions: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,400