Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-loaded β-chitin nanofiber hydrogel promote wound healing in rats

Abstract

Because of stem cells are limited by the low efficiency of their cell homing and survival in vivo, cell delivery systems and scaffolds have attracted a great deal of attention for stem cells’ successful clinical practice. β-chitin nanofibers (β-ChNF) were prepared from squid pens in this study. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy proved that β-ChNFs with the diameter of 5 to 10 nm were prepared. β-ChNF dispersion became gelled upon the addition of cell culture medium. Cell culture experiments showed that β-ChNFs exhibited negligible cytotoxicity towards ADSCs and L929 cells, and it was found that more exosomes were secreted by the globular ADSCs grown in the β-ChNF hydrogel. The vivo experiments of rats showed that the ADSCs-loaded β-ChNF hydrogel could directly cover the wound surface and significantly accelerate the wound healing and promote the generation of epithelization, granulation tissue and collagen. In addition, the ADSCs-loaded β-ChNF hydrogel clearly regulated the expressions of VEGFR, α-SMA, collagen I and collagen III. Finally, we showed that ADSCs-loaded β-ChNF hydrogel activated the TGFβ/smad signaling. The neutralization of TGFβ markedly reduced Smad phosphorylation and the expressions of TIMP1, VEGFR and α-SMA. Taken together, these findings suggest that ADSCs-loaded β-ChNF hydrogel promises for treating wounds that are challenge to heal via conventional methods.

Chitin and Chitosan: Prospective Biomedical Applications in Drug Delivery, Cancer Treatment, and Wound Healing

“…The skin tissue that covers the entire surface area of the body protects it from physical, mechanical, and chemical damages, as well as pathogenic microorganisms [ 64 ]. Several factors can damage the skin barrier directly or indirectly, including trauma, ulcers, and diseases such as diabetes, resulting in the loss of water, proteins, and an increased risk of bacterial infections [ 65 ].…”

“…Damage to the dermis of the skin, especially when caused by bacterial infections, may prolong the healing process because dermal cells do not migrate as quickly, and collagen synthesis is delayed [ 65 ]. Wound healing is a process that involves the formation of granulation tissue and scar tissue [ 64 ]. A key part of wound healing occurs when stem cells are activated, which secrete cytokines and growth factors after they are recruited to the wound [ 64 ].…”

“…Wound healing is a process that involves the formation of granulation tissue and scar tissue [ 64 ]. A key part of wound healing occurs when stem cells are activated, which secrete cytokines and growth factors after they are recruited to the wound [ 64 ]. Despite the fact that skin can heal itself if the damage is not severe, there are instances when wound healing takes time or does not bring the appropriate structural integrity [ 66 ].…”

The role of adipose-derived stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: Trends and prospects

“…Chitin nanofiber hydrogel obtained from squid cartilage has also received attention because it can largely simulate the natural ECM, promote cell inoculation, and absorb the wound exudate from the wound ( 121 ). Another study showed that an ADSCs-loaded β-Chitin nanofiber hydrogel could significantly promote vessel formation and collagen deposition via the TGFβ/SMAD family member 3 (smad3) pathway, thus promoting the wound healing process ( 122 ).…”

Nanofiber Carriers of Therapeutic Load: Current Trends

“…The limited ability of SC homing coupled with low in vivo survival limits their therapeutic applicability and calls for efficient biocompatible delivery systems. The ability of β-chitin nanofibers (β-ChNF) to form hydrogel upon addition of cell culture medium was used to prepare ECM-mimicking scaffolds suitable for incorporation and sustained growth of adipose tissue-derived (AD) SC [ 164 ]. When applied in an in vivo model of wound healing, ADSC/ChNFs demonstrated improved epithelization, collagen deposition and angiogenesis which led to accelerated wound healing than was observed in control groups.…”