Multifunctional porous poly (L-lactic acid) nanofiber membranes with enhanced anti-inflammation, angiogenesis and antibacterial properties for diabetic wound healing

by Selleckchem | Apr 22 2023

With increased diabetes incidence, diabetic wound healing is one of the most common diabetes complications and is characterized by easy infection, chronic inflammation, and reduced vascularization. To address these issues, biomaterials with multifunctional antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and angiogenic properties must be developed to improve overall diabetic wound healing for patients. In our study, we prepared porous poly (L-lactic acid) (PLA) nanofiber membranes using electrospinning and solvent evaporation methods. Then, sulfated chitosan (SCS) combined with polydopamine-gentamicin (PDA-GS) was stepwise modified onto porous PLA nanofiber membrane surfaces. Controlled GS release was facilitated via dopamine self-polymerization to prevent early stage infection. PDA was also applied to PLA nanofiber membranes to suppress inflammation. In vitro cell tests results showed that PLA/SCS/PDA-GS nanofiber membranes immuomodulated macrophage toward the M2 phenotype and increased endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor secretion to induce vascularization. Moreover, SCS-contained PLA nanofiber membranes also showed good potential in enhancing macrophage trans-differentiation to fibroblasts, thereby improving wound healing processes. Furthermore, our in vitro antibacterial studies against Staphylococcus aureus indicated the effective antibacterial properties of the PLA/SCS/PDA-GS nanofiber membranes. In summary, our novel porous PLA/SCS/PDA-GS nanofiber membranes possessing enhanced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties demonstrate promising potential in diabetic wound healing processes.

Comments：The development of biomaterials with multifunctional properties is crucial in addressing the complications associated with diabetic wound healing. Electrospinning and solvent evaporation methods are commonly used to prepare porous nanofiber membranes for biomedical applications. Sulfated chitosan is a good choice for surface modification due to its antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties, while polydopamine-gentamicin can facilitate controlled release of antibiotics to prevent early-stage infection.

Comments：

It's great to hear that the PLA/SCS/PDA-GS nanofiber membranes were able to induce macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype, which is important for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, the increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor suggests that these membranes can promote vascularization and thus improve the healing process. The ability of the SCS-contained PLA nanofiber membranes to enhance macrophage trans-differentiation to fibroblasts is also noteworthy, as this is a critical step in the wound healing process.

The in vitro antibacterial studies against Staphylococcus aureus also showed promising results, indicating the potential of the PLA/SCS/PDA-GS nanofiber membranes in preventing bacterial infection.

Overall, the development of these multifunctional biomaterials with enhanced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic properties holds great promise in improving diabetic wound healing processes. Further studies could focus on in vivo evaluations to assess the efficacy and safety of these nanofiber membranes.