Sugar nanocluster adhesive boosts wound healing in diabetic mice

In this study, we developed levan-catechol iron oxide (LC-IO) nanoclusters as multifunctional bioadhesive agents with strong tissue adhesion, antibacterial activity, and regenerative potential. The nanoclusters were fabricated via electrospray, yielding uniform, stable particles with catechol-mediated surface functionalization. Antibacterial evaluation using Escherichia coli (BL21) transformed with pTH-GFPuv showed a prolonged bacterial lag phase and reduced growth, indicating effective microbial suppression.

LC-IO nanoclusters demonstrated strong adhesive performance even at low concentrations (5 mg/mL), with lap shear stress and adhesion energy values of 30.13 kPa and 0.74 kJ/ m³, respectively more than double those of commercial fibrin glue (13.47 kPa and 0.33 kJ/m³).

Transcriptomic analysis of treated human dermal fibroblasts showed upregulation of genes related to extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and cell migration. In vivo wound healing studies demonstrated that after 7 days, LC-IO–treated wounds achieved 86 % closure compared to 60 % in untreated controls. In a diabetic mouse model, 92 % of the wound area was healed by day 14 versus 62 % in untreated wounds.

These findings support LC-IO nanoclusters as a promising platform for wound healing applications, integrating strong adhesion, antimicrobial efficacy, and regenerative stimulation. Their ability to accelerate healing, particularly in diabetic wounds, highlights their potential for advanced wound care.