A Mussel-Inspired Extracellular Matrix-Mimicking Composite Scaffold for Diabetic Wound Healing

In this study, a micropatterned scaffold with surface-loaded spherical bioactive glasses was successfully fabricated by the electrospinning technique and polydopamine (PDA) coating method for diabetic wound healing. The micro- to nanoscaled hierarchical structure and PDA coating could mimic the structure and function of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), and the scaffold could sustainably release the Si and Ca ions. The in vitro study revealed that the adhesion, proliferation, migration, and angiogenic differentiation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells could be significantly promoted by the scaffold. The in vivo experiment further revealed that the PDA-coated patterned scaffolds showed a high efficiency in diabetic wound healing and a significant improvement in re-epithelialization and collagen deposition in diabetic wounds. More importantly, the controllably released Si ions from the scaffold could further promote angiogenesis and inhibit inflammation in the wound site, thereby improving the healing quality of the diabetic wound. Our results suggest that this kind of scaffold with the ECM-mimicking structure and function as well as the released Si ions could be a promising treatment for diabetic wound.