Mechanical biomimetic silk nano fiber-magnesium ion complex/hydroxyethylcellulose/glycerol hydrogel dressing with angiogenic capacity for accelerating scarless diabetic wound healing.

Biomimetic hydrogel dressings with mechanical properties similar to normal skin were developed through tuning the ratio of SNF/HEC/Gly. SNF-Mg complex was also introduced to improve angiogenic capacity. In vitro and in vivo results revealed that both mechanical biomimetic cue and bioactive complexes regulated the angiogenesis and inflammatory behaviors effectively, achieving accelerated scarless repair of diabetic wounds. [Display omitted] Quick scarless healing remains a key issue for diabetic wounds. Here, a stretchable elastomeric hydrogel dressing composed of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), silk nano fiber-magnesium ion complex (Mg2+-SNF) and glycerol (Gly) was developed to optimize mechanical niche, anti-inflammatory and angiogenic behavior simultaneously. The composite hydrogel dressing exhibited skin-like elasticity (175.1 ± 23.9 %) and modulus (156.7 ± 2.5 KPa) while Mg2+-SNF complex endowed the dressing with angiogenesis, both favoring quick scarless skin regeneration. In vitro cell studies revealed that the hydrogel dressing stimulated fibroblast proliferation, endothelial cell migration and vessel-like tube formation, and also induced anti-inflammatory behavior of macrophages. In vivo results revealed accelerated healing of diabetic wounds. The improved granulation ingrowth and collagen deposition suggested high quality repair. Both thinner epidermal layer and low collagen I/III ratio of the regenerated skin confirmed scarless tissue formation. This bioactive hydrogel dressing has promising potential to address the multifaceted challenges of diabetic wound management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]