Loureirin hydrogel promotes healing of radionuclide-contaminated wounds by regulating angiogenesis and immune cells

Radionuclide-contaminated wounds face clinical dilemmas such as repeated erosion and ulceration and are difficult to heal. In this work, we aim to develop a biodegradable hydrogel with a beneficial effect on radionuclide-contaminated wounds and initially investigate the mechanism of action of the hydrogel. The hydrogel was produced by the ring-opening polymerization of Polycaprolactone (PCL) triggered by Polyethylene glycol (PEG), and its physicochemical properties were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and rheological properties testing, etc. The low critical solution temperatures were 30℃ and 46℃, which are suitable for the human body, to realize the degradable properties. The establishment of a radionuclide contaminated wound model confirms that biodegradable hydrogels have good healing properties, do not form secondary lesions, and are superior to the clinical use of EGF or VB12. Pathological results showed that mature granulation tissue formed on the 7th day after the injury, and by the 10th day after the injury, the scab had completely fallen off, the epithelial coverage had reached over 70% and the wound was essentially completely healed. In addition, this hydrogel affects immune metabolism, regulates the function of immune cells, promotes vascular neovascularization, promotes the development of the immune system and the development of immune cells, and facilitates the development of the immune system. Additionally, the hydrogel affects immune metabolism, regulates immune cell function, promotes the formation of new blood vessels and granular tissue, and effectively accelerates the healing process of radionuclide-contaminated wounds.