Fabrication of Piezo1 protein encapsulated pressure-sensitive multifunctional hydrogel in modulating cellular response and wound healing in pressure ulcer conditions

Abstract

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are prevalent skin lesions characterized by significant morbidity, susceptibility to infection, and a complex healing process. This study aims at the synthesis of piezo1 protein-encapsulated, pressure-sensitive multifunctional hydrogel to modulate cellular response and promote wound healing in PUW conditions. The hydrogel synthesized from carboxyl methyl cellulose hydrogel exhibits the optimal swelling ratio and is found to have a high storage modulus (G′). This shows the mechanical strength and viscoelastic nature of the synthesized hydrogel. The PP encapsulation and releasing efficiency has been analyzed, and this proves the prolonged activation of mechanotransduction properties. In vitro analysis on 3T3 and HUVEC proves a high proliferation rate and proves to have an enhanced cell migration rate in hypoxia-induced cell lines. The angiogenesis was also found to be increased, which is indicated by tube formation that enhances the wound healing rate. The pressure ulcer animal model was analyzed for 3, 7, 10, and 14 days, and the wound healing rate. The reduction in inflammatory cytokine expression and the collagen deposition rate has been analyzed. By day 14, the wound closure reached above 91%, significantly higher than the untreated group. These findings demonstrate that PP-MH enhances cell proliferation and angiogenesis, thereby acts as a promising strategy for advanced pressure ulcer management.