Dual-release hydrogel of metformin and silver ions featuring adhesive and self-healing properties for accelerated diabetic wound healing

Abstract

Bacterial infection presents a significant challenge in the healing process of diabetic wounds. Addressing this issue is crucial for improving patient outcomes. The designing and developing wound dressings with superior antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties offers a promising solution for treating bacterial infections in diabetic wounds. In this study, the OHA-CMCS/AgCD/Met (OCM/AgCD) hydrogels were successfully prepared by using silver nitrate and citric acid as raw materials by hydrothermal synthesis of silver-doped carbon quantum dots (AgCD) and metformin (Met) in the Schiff alkali hydrogels crosslinked by carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized hyaluronic acid. We studied the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the hydrogel and explored its antibacterial mechanism. In vivo studies showed that the hydrogel could promote wound healing in diabetic mice and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors at the wound site. Moreover, the addition of metformin was confirmed to better promote wound healing in vivo. It was further demonstrated that the OCM/AgCD hydrogel promotes wound healing by reducing inflammation and enhancing angiogenesis in a rat type I diabetic model. In summary, this multifunctional OCM/AgCD hydrogel, which possesses adhesive, self-healing, and dual release of metformin and silver ions capabilities, has demonstrated an enhanced effect on the healing of diabetic wounds. It also offers a targeted drug release strategy, specifically tailored for the treatment of diabetic wounds.