Multi-functional intelligent drug-loaded microalgae for the repair of diabetic wounds: oxygen supply, cell proliferation promotion, and hypoglycemic effect

Abstract

Diabetic wound healing has long been plagued by a series of complex problems caused by the pathological environment of high glucose, such as ischemia, hypoxia, and inflammatory responses. In order to solve this dilemma, we developed a new gel preparation with both green natural characteristics and excellent biological activity, aiming to provide an efficient and safe solution for diabetic wound healing. The gel uses microalgae as the core carrier, and it also plays an important role as an oxygen supply source. Through covalent bonding, the functional component concanavalin A and PEG-modified gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) were efficiently loaded on the polymer, which ensured the stable existence and controlled release of the components. Subsequently, the composite system was incorporated into the pre-gel fluid of the photocrosslinked methacryloylated gelatin to obtain our designed gel composite. On the one hand, the microalgae present in the material can continuously produce oxygen driven by light, effectively improve the local hypoxic microenvironment of the wound, and provide sufficient oxygen for cell proliferation and tissue repair. On the other hand, concanavalin A can specifically bind to glucose, and then cooperate with AuNPs with glucose oxidase activity to exert an efficient local hypoglycemic effect, thereby alleviating the adverse effects of high glucose on healing from the root. Through systematic experimental verification, this study confirmed the application prospects of this biocomposite material with multiple pro-healing properties in the field of diabetic wound management.