Hybrid Self-Assembled Peptide Hydrogels Promote Skin Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice

Abstract

The treatment of diabetic wounds is highly important, as long-term nonclosure of chronic wounds is exceedingly painful for patients and can even lead to amputation. Inducing vascularization remains a significant challenge in diabetic wound healing. This article describes a hybrid peptide hydrogel based on pH-sensitive self-assembling and coassembling peptides. To repair tissue in diabetic wounds, Ac-FKFEFKFE-QHREDGS-NH2 (F–Q) and Ac-FKFEFKFE-GRGDS-NH2 (F–G) were hybridized to generate hydrogels. QHREDGS is derived from angiopoietin-1, whereas GRGDS is derived from osteopontin. Coassembly of F–Q and F–G yielded a bioactive hydrogel (F–Q/F–G) with the outstanding stability and the ability to stimulate endothelial cell growth, adhesion, and migration. The levels of CD31, bFGF, and VEGF in HUVECs exposed to the self-assembled functional peptide hydrogels were significantly greater than those in the control group, indicating that these factors could promote angiogenesis. When the F–Q or F–G hydrogel was applied to the skin defect region of diabetic rodents, angiogenesis and re-epithelialization were stimulated. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the F–Q/F–G hydrogel is a biomaterial with potential for promoting wound healing and vascular regeneration in the epidermis.