Topical composite hydrogel incorporating human amniotic membrane and spidroin for the treatment of chronic wounds in diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Traditional diabetic chronic skin wound dressings often lack the bioactivity required to promote regeneration in these complex wounds. The use of human amniotic membrane (hAM) has been identified as a promising natural option for diabetic skin wound regeneration, but hAM is susceptible to rejection and release of growth factors, so cells must be decellularized and supplemented with biomaterials such as spidroin, a hydrogel delivery system. This study aims to analyse and evaluate a composite hydrogel combining hAM and spidroin proteins to enhance the healing of diabetic chronic wounds.

Experimental approach: Hydrogels were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, physical tests, gel fraction and swelling ratio. Wound healing studies were performed using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Full-thickness wounds were created and treated with the hydrogel formulations. Macroscopic progress of wound healing was monitored, and histological analysis was performed to assess reepithelialization, inflammatory response, and collagen deposition.

Key results: The functional groups of hAMD components were identified at the characteristic absorption peaks of 1650 cm^-1, while spidroin showed a peak at 1530 cm^-1. In particular, the 10 % composite (hAMD + spidroin) showed significantly faster wound closure compared to the control group and other treatment groups. Histological findings confirmed that the 10 % composite was able to facilitate cell proliferation, reduce inflammation, enhance epithelial regeneration, angiogenesis, fibroblast formation and regular collagen matrix and decrease transforming growth factor beta in the remodelling phase.

Conclusion: Composite (hAMD + spidroin) 10 % showed promising wound healing efficacy in diabetic conditions, indicating its potential as a bioactive wound dressing for chronic diabetes.