A Natural Polyphenol-Regulated Microporous Soybean Protein Injectable Hydrogel Loaded with Placental Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Promoting Chronic Wound Healing.

Abstract

Diabetic chronic wounds exhibit difficulties in healing due to prolonged high glucose and inflammatory conditions. Suppression of inflammation and restoration of the epithelial layer are crucial for preventing infections, reducing moisture loss, and restoring structural and functional integrity to the wound. Currently, there are numerous studies on dressings for diabetic chronic wounds, most of which can inhibit inflammation, but the effect on epithelial regeneration is limited. In this study, we developed a novel therapeutic system utilizing a microporous hydrogel regulated by the natural tea polyphenol EGCG for the treatment of chronic wounds. This hydrogel, made from soy protein isolate and dextran, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and excellent biocompatibility, and is designed to be both injectable and biodegradable. This hydrogel facilitated the efficient loading and release of human placental stem cell-derived exosomes. Then the exosome-loaded hydrogel was used for full-thickness diabetic skin wound healing. Histological characterization confirmed that the exosome-loaded hydrogel promoted wound healing and epidermal regeneration. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot experiments demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of the hydrogel. In short, this study proposed an Exo-hydrogel therapy as a promising potential for effective treatment of chronic wounds.