Stepwise co-assembled biomimetic hydrogel with antibacterial, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration acceleration for diabetic wound healing

Bacterial infections and inadequate tissue regeneration capacity are prevalent issues in diabetic wounds, impeding the healing process. To solve these problems, a biomimetic hydrogel combined with bacterial cellulose (BC), recombinant human collagen type III (RHC), and ε-poly-L-Lysine (EPL) is fabricated by stepwise co-assembly technology. Owing to the RHC and EPL modifications of BC, the biomimetic hydrogel exhibited antibacterial effects and promoted fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis, which accelerated the healing of diabetic wounds. Biomimetic hydrogels exhibit good mechanical properties and excellent water absorption, that can protect wounds and provide a moist environment. In addition, in vitro studies have shown that the hydrogels exhibit excellent antibacterial activity and biocompatibility. In vivo studies on diabetic wound healing have shown that biomimetic hydrogels can promote angiogenesis, accelerate collagen deposition, and re-epithelialize wound sites to promote wound healing. This study provides a new and promising strategy for the treatment of diabetic wounds.