Biomimetic Dermatopontin-Collagen Nanocomposite for Accelerated Wound Healing and ECM Remodeling in Chronic Wound Conditions

Abstract

Chronic cutaneous wounds are often accompanied by an extensive alteration in the standard extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture, leading to dysfunction of the resident cells and impaired healing. Conventional wound dressings often fail to address these complex tissue repair needs associated with chronic conditions. Here, we developed a biomimetic collagen-based scaffold, collagen/chitosan/MO NPs/DPT (CCMD), involving the skin-bridge protein dermatopontin (DPT) and molybdenum trioxide (MO NPs) nanoparticle in regulating the repairing cascades in chronic conditions. The sustained release of DPT increased cellular proliferation, cellular adhesion, wound contraction, and regulation of fibronectin in fibroblast cells. Furthermore, the CCMD in influencing angiogenesis was validated by the ex vivo and in vivo assays. The results revealed that the CCMD scaffold promoted endothelial sprouting and blood capillary density, signifying its pro-angiogenic potential and role in vascular reformation, which is ideal for tissue regeneration. Thus, our findings postulate that biomimetic CCMD could serve as a better dermal substrate for ECM reorganization and present new opportunities for pathological-relevant tissue repair in chronic environments.