Cell-homing and immunomodulatory composite hydrogels for effective wound healing with neovascularization

Cell-homing and immunomodulatory composite hydrogels for effective wound healing with neovascularization

2024 | Hayeon Byun, Yujin Han, Eunhyung Kim, Indong Jun, Jinkyu Lee, Hyewoo Jeong, Seung Jae Huh, Jinmyoung Joo, Su Ryon Shin, Heungsoo Shin
This study aims to develop a multifunctional composite hydrogel that can modulate immune responses, recruit and polarize macrophages, control hydrogel degradation, remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), and induce neovascularization for effective wound healing. The hydrogel is composed of tannic acid (TA)-strontium (Sr2+-TSR) nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel. TA NPs were prepared through a one-step method, allowing for the delivery of both TA and Sr2+ to wounds. The hydrogel was characterized for its physical and chemical properties, including swelling ratio, mechanical strength, and ROS scavenging activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that the hydrogel extract reduced intracellular ROS levels and modulated macrophage polarization, with a significant decrease in M1 polarization and an increase in M2 polarization. The hydrogel also showed pro-angiogenic effects, enhancing tubule formation and migration of endothelial cells. In vivo studies in a full-thickness wound healing model in mice confirmed the hydrogel's ability to promote wound closure, granulation tissue formation, and collagen deposition. The hydrogel's degradation rate was also influenced by the presence of TSrPs, leading to increased cell infiltration and macrophage polarization. Overall, the study highlights the potential of the TSrP-incorporated hydrogel in promoting wound healing through its multifaceted effects on immune cells, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling.This study aims to develop a multifunctional composite hydrogel that can modulate immune responses, recruit and polarize macrophages, control hydrogel degradation, remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), and induce neovascularization for effective wound healing. The hydrogel is composed of tannic acid (TA)-strontium (Sr2+-TSR) nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel. TA NPs were prepared through a one-step method, allowing for the delivery of both TA and Sr2+ to wounds. The hydrogel was characterized for its physical and chemical properties, including swelling ratio, mechanical strength, and ROS scavenging activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that the hydrogel extract reduced intracellular ROS levels and modulated macrophage polarization, with a significant decrease in M1 polarization and an increase in M2 polarization. The hydrogel also showed pro-angiogenic effects, enhancing tubule formation and migration of endothelial cells. In vivo studies in a full-thickness wound healing model in mice confirmed the hydrogel's ability to promote wound closure, granulation tissue formation, and collagen deposition. The hydrogel's degradation rate was also influenced by the presence of TSrPs, leading to increased cell infiltration and macrophage polarization. Overall, the study highlights the potential of the TSrP-incorporated hydrogel in promoting wound healing through its multifaceted effects on immune cells, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling.
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