Magnesium Silicate Composite Patch With Neurovascular Regenerative Properties Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing in Mice

Abstract

Given the confluence of dysregulated inflammation, vasculopathy, and neuropathy, diabetic wounds pose a significant clinical challenge. Commercially available wound dressings often lack sufficient bioactivity, failing to meet clinical demands. Herein, we developed a PCL-PLLA-MgSiO₃ (PP-MgSi) patch with promising therapeutic effects. The PP-MgSi composite patch was manufactured via electrospinning and characterized by controllable degradation and local release of Mg²⁺ and SiO₃²⁻. The patch showed favorable in vitro biocompatibility and bioactivity, notably increased angiogenesis, myelination, and neurite outgrowth. In type 2 diabetic mice, the PP-MgSi patch exhibited MgSi dose-dependent effects on enhancing diabetic wound healing by modulating the expression of TNF-α, iNOS, and CD206 to balance inflammation, while boosting CD31 and β3-tubulin levels to promote neurovascularization. With the significant suppression of pro-inflammatory-related TNF and IL-17 pathways, while activating the peripheral nerve-associated axon guidance pathway, blood vessel-associated HIF-1α and VEGF pathways, the PP-MgSi patch ultimately achieved accelerated healing compared to the control group. Ultimately, the PP-MgSi patch exhibited an accelerated repair rate, with comparable neovascularization and superior peripheral nerve regeneration capacity compared to three representative commercially available products. This proof-of-concept work presents a promising bioactive PP-MgSi patch for future clinical diabetic wound management, particularly in terms of its neurovascular network recovery properties.

Keywords

diabetic wound healing / magnesium silicate patch / neurovascular regeneration

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