Self-Gelling Multifunctional Plasma-Activated AVC Powder for the Treatment of Chronic Diabetic Wounds

Abstract

Chronic diabetic wounds represent one of the most prevalent complications of diabetes, often necessitating amputation in severe cases of nonhealing wounds. Cold atmospheric plasma technology has shown promise in promoting the healing of chronic diabetic wounds, with plasma-generated reactive species playing a key role. However, direct plasma treatment is limited by uneven treatment intensity, the risk of thermal injury, and a short effective duration. To address these limitations, we propose the use of lyophilized plasma-activated acryloyldimethylammonium taurate/VP copolymer (PA-AVC) dressings. These dressings have good stability, strong activity, and a long shelf-life and can absorb wound exudate, provide physical protection, and load/release plasma-generated reactive species to promote wound healing. In vitro studies have demonstrated that lyophilized plasma-activated acryloyldimethyl taurate/VP copolymer (PA-AVC) dressings efficiently load air discharge plasma-generated reactive species and exhibit excellent antimicrobial and biosafety properties. In vivo wound healing studies in diabetic ICR mice have shown that lyophilized PA-AVC dressings significantly enhance wound healing by reducing bacterial infection, controlling local inflammatory responses, and promoting the release of growth factors to stimulate vascular regeneration, and no significant systemic toxicity was observed. These results suggest that lyophilized PA-AVC dressings have great potential for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.