Magnetite nanoparticles: Synthesis methods - A comparative review.

Iron oxide-based nanoparticles have gathered tremendous scientific interest towards their application in a variety of fields. Magnetite has been particularly investigated due to its readily availability, versatility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and special magnetic properties. As the behavior of nano-scale magnetite is in direct relation to its shape, size, and surface chemistry, accurate control over the nanoparticle synthesis process is essential in obtaining quality products for the intended end uses. Several chemical, physical, and biological methods are found in the literature and implemented in the laboratory or industrial practice. However, non-conventional methods emerged in recent years to bring unprecedented synthesis performances in terms of better-controlled morphologies, sizes, and size distribution. Particularly, microfluidic methods represent a promising technology towards smaller reagent volume use, waste reduction, precise control of fluid mixing, and ease of automation, overcoming some of the major drawbacks of conventional bulk methods. This review aims to present the main properties, applications, and synthesis methods of magnetite, together with the newest advancements in this field.

Zinc/Cerium-Substituted Magnetite Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications.

Numerous studies have reported the possibility of enhancing the properties of materials by incorporating foreign elements within their crystal lattice. In this context, while magnetite has widely known properties that have been used for various biomedical applications, the introduction of other metals within its structure could prospectively enhance its effectiveness. Specifically, zinc and cerium have demonstrated their biomedical potential through significant antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial features. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop a series of zinc and/or cerium-substituted magnetite nanoparticles that could further be used in the medical sector. The nanostructures were synthesized through the co-precipitation method and their morpho-structural characteristics were evaluated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Furthermore, the nanostructures were subjected to a ROS-Glo H2O2 assay for assessing their antioxidant potential, MTT assay for determining their anticancer effects, and antimicrobial testing against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans strains. Results have proven promising for future biomedical applications, as the nanostructures inhibit oxidative stress in normal cells, with between two- and three-fold reduction and cell proliferation in tumor cells; a two-fold decrease in cell viability and microbial growth; an inhibition zone diameter of 4-6 mm and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1-2 mg/mL.

A Microfluidic Approach for Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles as a Potential Antimicrobial Agent in Alginate-Hyaluronic Acid-Based Wound Dressings.

The recognized antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles is a well-studied property, especially when designing and developing biomaterials with medical applications. As biological activity is closely related to the physicochemical characteristics of a material, aspects such as particle morphology and dimension should be considered. Microfluidic systems in continuous flow represent a promising method to control the size, shape, and size distribution of synthesized nanoparticles. Moreover, using microfluidics widens the synthesis options by creating and controlling parameters that are otherwise difficult to maintain in conventional batch procedures. This study used a microfluidic platform with a cross-shape design as an innovative method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles and varied the precursor concentration and the purging speed as experimental parameters. The compositional and microstructural characterization of the obtained samples was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Four formulations of alginate-based hydrogels with the addition of hyaluronic acid and silver nanoparticles were obtained to highlight the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles and the efficiency of such a composite in wound treatment. The porous structure, swelling capacity, and biological properties were evaluated through physicochemical analysis (FT-IR and SEM) and through contact with prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The results of the physicochemical and biological investigations revealed desirable characteristics for performant wound dressings (i.e., biocompatibility, appropriate porous structure, swelling rate, and degradation rate, ability to inhibit biofilm formation, and cell growth stimulation capacity), and the obtained materials are thus recommended for treating chronic and infected wounds.

Usnic Acid-Loaded Magnetite Nanoparticles-A Comparative Study between Synthesis Methods.

Since cancer is a continuously increasing concern for the general population, more efficient treatment alternatives ought to be developed. In this regard, a promising direction is represented by the use of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) to act both as a nanocarrier for the targeted release of antitumoral drugs and as hyperthermia agents. Thus, the present study focused on improving the control upon the outcome properties of MNPs by using two synthesis methods, namely the co-precipitation and microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, for the incorporation of usnic acid (UA), a natural lichen-derived metabolite with proven anticancer activity. The obtained UA-loaded MNPs were thoroughly characterized regarding their morpho-structural and physicochemical properties through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Results demonstrated the formation of magnetite as the unique mineralogical phase through both types of synthesis, with increased uniformity regarding the drug loading efficiency, size, stability, and magnetic properties obtained through the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the nanostructures against the HEK 293T cell line was investigated through the XTT assay, which further proved their potential for anticancer treatment applications.

Design, Characterization, and Antibacterial Performance of MAPLE-Deposited Coatings of Magnesium Phosphate-Containing Silver Nanoparticles in Biocompatible Concentrations.

Bone disorders and traumas represent a common type of healthcare emergency affecting men and women worldwide. Since most of these diseases imply surgery, frequently complicated by exogenous or endogenous infections, there is an acute need for improving their therapeutic approaches, particularly in clinical conditions requiring orthopedic implants. Various biomaterials have been investigated in the last decades for their potential to increase bone regeneration and prevent orthopedic infections. The present study aimed to develop a series of MAPLE-deposited coatings composed of magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) designed to ensure osteoblast proliferation and anti-infective properties simultaneously. Mg3(PO4)2 and AgNPs were obtained through the cooling bath reaction and chemical reduction, respectively, and then characterized through X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED). Subsequently, the obtained coatings were evaluated by Infrared Microscopy (IRM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Their biological properties show that the proposed composite coatings exhibit well-balanced biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, promoting osteoblasts viability and proliferation and inhibiting the adherence and growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two of the most important agents of orthopedic implant-associated infections.

A Comparative Loading and Release Study of Vancomycin from a Green Mesoporous Silica.

Since its first use as a drug delivery system, mesoporous silica has proven to be a surprisingly efficient vehicle due to its porous structure. Unfortunately, most synthesis methods are based on using large amounts of surfactants, which are then removed by solvent extraction or heat treatment, leading to an undesired environmental impact because of the generated by-products. Hence, in the present study, we followed the synthesis of a silica material with a wormhole-like pore arrangement, using two FDA-approved substances as templates, namely Tween-20 and starch. As far as we know, it is the first study using the Tween-20/starch combo as a template for mesoporous silica synthesis. Furthermore, we investigated whether the obtained material using this novel synthesis had any potential in using it as a DDS. The material was further analyzed by XRD, TEM, FT-IR, N2 adsorption/desorption, and DLS to investigate its physicochemical features. Vancomycin was selected as the active molecule based on the extensive research engaged towards improving its bioavailability for oral delivery. The drug was loaded onto the material by using three different approaches, assuming its full retention in the final system. Thermal analysis confirmed the successful loading of vancomycin by all means, and pore volume significantly decreased upon loading, especially in the case of the vacuum-assisted method. All methods showed a slower release rate compared to the same amount of the pure drug. Loadings by physical mixing and solvent evaporation released the whole amount of the drug in 140 min, and the material loaded by the vacuum-assisted method released only 68.2% over the same period of time, leading us to conclude that vancomycin was adsorbed deeper inside the pores. The kinetic release of the three systems followed the Higuchi model for the samples loaded by physical mixing and vacuum-assisted procedures, while the solvent evaporation loading method was in compliance with the first-order model.

Fabrication and Applications of Microfluidic Devices: A Review.

Microfluidics is a relatively newly emerged field based on the combined principles of physics, chemistry, biology, fluid dynamics, microelectronics, and material science. Various materials can be processed into miniaturized chips containing channels and chambers in the microscale range. A diverse repertoire of methods can be chosen to manufacture such platforms of desired size, shape, and geometry. Whether they are used alone or in combination with other devices, microfluidic chips can be employed in nanoparticle preparation, drug encapsulation, delivery, and targeting, cell analysis, diagnosis, and cell culture. This paper presents microfluidic technology in terms of the available platform materials and fabrication techniques, also focusing on the biomedical applications of these remarkable devices.

Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composite Films for Antimicrobial Therapies.

The development of drug-resistant microorganisms has become a critical issue for modern medicine and drug discovery and development with severe socio-economic and ecological implications. Since standard and conventional treatment options are generally inefficient, leading to infection persistence and spreading, novel strategies are fundamentally necessary in order to avoid serious global health problems. In this regard, both metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrated increased effectiveness as nanobiocides due to intrinsic antimicrobial properties and as nanocarriers for antimicrobial drugs. Among them, gold, silver, copper, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, and iron oxide NPs are the most preferred, owing to their proven antimicrobial mechanisms and bio/cytocompatibility. Furthermore, inorganic NPs can be incorporated or attached to organic/inorganic films, thus broadening their application within implant or catheter coatings and wound dressings. In this context, this paper aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the most recent studies investigating inorganic NPs and their integration into composite films designed for antimicrobial therapies.

Marine Biocompounds for Neuroprotection-A Review.

While terrestrial organisms are the primary source of natural products, recent years have witnessed a considerable shift towards marine-sourced biocompounds. They have achieved a great scientific interest due to the plethora of compounds with structural and chemical properties generally not found in terrestrial products, exhibiting significant bioactivity ten times higher than terrestrial-sourced molecules. In addition to the antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and cardio-protection properties, marine-sourced biocompounds have been investigated for their neuroprotective potential. Thus, this review aims to describe the recent findings regarding the neuroprotective effects of the significant marine-sourced biocompounds.

Magnetite Nanoparticles and Essential Oils Systems for Advanced Antibacterial Therapies.

Essential oils (EOs) have attracted considerable interest in the past few years, with increasing evidence of their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and insecticidal effects. However, as they are highly volatile, the administration of EOs to achieve the desired effects is challenging. Therefore, nanotechnology-based strategies for developing nanoscaled carriers for their efficient delivery might offer potential solutions. Owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, ability to target a tissue specifically, and primary structures that allow for the attachment of various therapeutics, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are an example of such nanocarriers that could be used for the efficient delivery of EOs for antimicrobial therapies. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the use of EOs as antibacterial agents when coupled with magnetite nanoparticles (NPs), emphasizing the synthesis, properties and functionalization of such NPs to enhance their efficiency. In this manner, systems comprising EOs and MNPs could offer potential solutions that could overcome the challenges associated with biofilm formation on prosthetic devices and antibiotic-resistant bacteria by ensuring a controlled and sustained release of the antibacterial agents.

Biosensors-on-Chip: An Up-to-Date Review.

Generally, biosensors are designed to translate physical, chemical, or biological events into measurable signals, thus offering qualitative and/or quantitative information regarding the target analytes. While the biosensor field has received considerable scientific interest, integrating this technology with microfluidics could further bring significant improvements in terms of sensitivity and specificity, resolution, automation, throughput, reproducibility, reliability, and accuracy. In this manner, biosensors-on-chip (BoC) could represent the bridging gap between diagnostics in central laboratories and diagnostics at the patient bedside, bringing substantial advancements in point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic applications. In this context, the aim of this manuscript is to provide an up-to-date overview of BoC system development and their most recent application towards the diagnosis of cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Nanomaterials for Wound Dressings: An Up-to-Date Overview.

As wound healing continues to be a challenge for the medical field, wound management has become an essential factor for healthcare systems. Nanotechnology is a domain that could provide different new approaches concerning regenerative medicine. It is worth mentioning the importance of nanoparticles, which, when embedded in biomaterials, can induce specific properties that make them of interest in applications as materials for wound dressings. In the last years, nano research has taken steps to develop molecular engineering strategies for different self-assembling biocompatible nanoparticles. It is well-known that nanomaterials can improve burn treatment and also the delayed wound healing process. In this review, the first-line of bioactive nanomaterials-based dressing categories frequently applied in clinical practice, including semi-permeable films, semipermeable foam dressings, hydrogel dressings, hydrocolloid dressings, alginate dressings, non-adherent contact layer dressings, and multilayer dressings will be discussed. Additionally, this review will highlight the lack of high-quality evidence and the necessity for future advanced trials because current wound healing therapies generally fail to provide an excellent clinical outcome, either structurally or functionally. The use of nanomaterials in wound management represents a unique tool that can be specifically designed to closely reflect the underlying physiological processes in tissue repair.

Mesoporous Silica Platforms with Potential Applications in Release and Adsorption of Active Agents.

In recent years, researchers focused their attention on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) owing to the considerable advancements of the characterization methods, especially electron microscopy methods, which allowed for a clear visualization of the pore structure and the materials encapsulated within the pores, along with the X-ray diffraction (small angles) methods and specific surface area determination by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique. Mesoporous silica gained important consideration in biomedical applications thanks to its tunable pore size, high surface area, surface functionalization possibility, chemical stability, and pore nature. Specifically, the nature of the pores allows for the encapsulation and release of anti-cancer drugs into tumor tissues, which makes MSN ideal candidates as drug delivery carriers in cancer treatment. Moreover, the inner and outer surfaces of the MSN provide a platform for further functionalization approaches that could enhance the adsorption of the drug within the silica network and the selective targeting and controlled release to the desired site. Additionally, stimuli-responsive mesoporous silica systems are being used as mediators in cancer therapy, and through the release of the therapeutic agents hosted inside the pores under the action of specific triggering factors, it can selectively deliver them into tumor tissues. Another important application of the mesoporous silica nanomaterials is related to its ability to extract different hazardous species from aqueous media, some of these agents being antibiotics, pesticides, or anti-tumor agents. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the methods of MSN synthesis and related characteristics, the available surface functionalization strategies, and the most important applications of MSN in adsorption as well as release studies. Owing to the increasing antibiotic resistance, the need for developing materials for antibiotic removal from wastewaters is important and mesoporous materials already proved remarkable performances in environmental applications, including removal or even degradation of hazardous agents such as antibiotics and pesticides.

Reversible Condensation of Mucins into Nanoparticles.

Mucins are high molar mass glycoproteins that assume an extended conformation and can assemble into mucus hydrogels that protect our mucosal epithelium. In nature, the challenging task of generating a mucus layer, several hundreds of micrometers in thickness, from micrometer-sized cells is elegantly solved by the condensation of mucins inside vesicles and their on-demand release from the cells where they suddenly expand to form the extracellular mucus hydrogel. We aimed to recreate and control the process of compaction for mucins, the first step toward a better understanding of the process and creating biomimetic in vivo delivery strategies of macromolecules. We found that by adding glycerol to the aqueous solvent, we could induce drastic condensation of purified mucin molecules, reducing their size by an order of magnitude down to tens of nanometers in diameter. The condensation effect of glycerol was fully reversible and could be further enhanced and partially stabilized by cationic cross-linkers such as calcium and polylysine. The change of structure of mucins from extended molecules to nano-sized particles in the presence of glycerol translated into macroscopic rheological changes, as illustrated by a dampened shear-thinning effect with increasing glycerol concentration. This work provides new insight into mucin condensation, which could lead to new delivery strategies mimicking cell release of macromolecules condensed in vesicles such as mucins and heparin.

Bee Bread: A Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Properties-First Report on Some Antimicrobial Features.

Bee bread has received attention due to its high nutritional value, especially its phenolic composition, which enhances life quality. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical and antimicrobial properties of bee bread (BB) samples from Romania. Initially, the bee bread alcoholic extracts (BBEs) were obtained from BB collected and prepared by Apis mellifera carpatica bees. The chemical composition of the BBE was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the total phenols and flavonoid contents were determined. Also, a UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis of phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of BBEs was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative assessments. The BBs studied in this paper are provided from 31 families of plant species, with the total phenols content and total flavonoid content varying between 7.10 and 18.30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g BB and between 0.45 and 1.86 mg quercetin equivalents/g BB, respectively. Chromatographic analysis revealed these samples had a significant content of phenolic compounds, with flavonoids in much higher quantities than phenolic acids. All the BBEs presented antimicrobial activity against all clinical and standard pathogenic strains tested. Salmonella typhi, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, and Candida kefyr strains were the most sensitive, while BBEs' antifungal activity on C. krusei and C. kefyr was not investigated in any prior research. In addition, this study reports the BBEs' inhibitory activity on microbial (bacterial and fungi) adhesion capacity to the inert substratum for the first time.

Irinotecan-loaded magnetite-silica core-shell systems for colorectal cancer treatment.

Colorectal cancer represents a worldwide spread type of cancer and it is regarded as one of the leading death causes, along with lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Since conventional surgical resection and chemotherapy proved limited efficiency, the use of alternative drug delivery systems that ensure the controlled release of cytostatic agents possess immense potential for treatment. In this regard, the present study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficiency of a series of irinotecan-loaded magnetite-silica core-shell systems. The magnetite particles were obtained through a solvothermal treatment, while the silica shell was obtained through the Stöber method directly onto the surface of magnetite particles. Subsequently, the core-shell systems were physico-chemically and morpho-structurally evaluated trough X-ray diffraction (XRD) and (high-resolution) transmission electron microscopy ((HR-)TEM) equipped with a High Annular Angular Dark Field Detector (HAADF) for elemental mapping. After the irinotecan loading, the drug delivery systems were evaluated through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Additionally, the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method was employed for determining the surface area and pore volume of the systems. The biological functionality of the core-shells was investigated through the MTT assay performed on both normal and cancer cells. The results of the study confirmed the formation of highly crystalline magnetite particles comprising the core and mesoporous silica layers of sizes varying between 2 and 7 nm as the shell. Additionally, the drug loading and release was dependent on the type of the silica synthesis procedure, since the lack of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) resulted in higher drug loading but lower cumulative release. Moreover, the nanostructured systems demonstrated a targeted efficiency towards HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, as in the case of normal L929 fibroblast cells, the cell viability was higher than for the pristine drug. In this manner, this study provides the means and procedures for developing drug delivery systems with applicability in the treatment of cancer.

Antioxidant, Antitumoral, Antimicrobial, and Prebiotic Activity of Magnetite Nanoparticles Loaded with Bee Pollen/Bee Bread Extracts and 5-Fluorouracil.

The gut microbiota dysbiosis that often occurs in cancer therapy requires more efficient treatment options to be developed. In this concern, the present research approach is to develop drug delivery systems based on magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds. First, MNPs were synthesized through the spraying-assisted coprecipitation method, followed by loading bee pollen or bee bread extracts and an antitumoral drug (5-fluorouracil/5-FU). The loaded-MNPs were morphologically and structurally characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis. UV-Vis spectroscopy was applied to establish the release profiles and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antitumoral activity of loaded-MNPs was assessed. The results demonstrate that MNPs with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, and prebiotic properties are obtained. Moreover, the data highlight the improvement of 5-FU antibacterial activity by loading on the MNPs' surface and the synergistic effects between the anticancer drug and phenolic compounds (PCs). In addition, the prolonged release behavior of PCs for many hours (70-75 h) after the release of 5-FU from the developed nanocarriers is an advantage, at least from the point of view of the antioxidant activity of PCs. Considering the enhancement of L. rhamnosus MF9 growth and antitumoral activity, this study developed promising drug delivery alternatives for colorectal cancer therapy.

Microfluidic Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles for the Controlled Release of Antibiotics.

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been intensively studied for biomedical applications, especially as drug delivery systems for the treatment of infections. Additionally, they are characterized by intrinsic antimicrobial properties owing to their capacity to disrupt or penetrate the microbial cell wall and induce cell death. However, the current focus has shifted towards increasing the control of the synthesis reaction to ensure more uniform nanoparticle sizes and shapes. In this context, microfluidics has emerged as a potential candidate method for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles. Thus, the aim of the present study was to obtain a series of antibiotic-loaded MNPs through a microfluidic device. The structural properties of the nanoparticles were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), the morphology was evaluated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), the antibiotic loading was assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and, and thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) analyses, and. the release profiles of both antibiotics was determined through UV-Vis spectroscopy. The biocompatibility of the nanoparticles was assessed through the MTT assay on a BJ cell line, while the antimicrobial properties were investigated against the S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans strains. Results proved considerable uniformity of the antibiotic-containing nanoparticles, good biocompatibility, and promising antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study represents a step forward towards the microfluidic development of highly effective nanostructured systems for antimicrobial therapies.

Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Treatment of Multifunctional Substituted Hydroxyapatite with Prospective Applications in Bone Regeneration.

Orthopedic bone graft infections are major complications in today's medicine, and the demand for antibacterial treatments is expanding because of the spread of antibiotic resistance. Various compositions of hydroxyapatite (HAp) in which Calcium (Ca2+) ions are substituted with Cerium (Ce3+) and Magnesium (Mg2+) are herein proposed as biomaterials for hard tissue implants. This approach gained popularity in recent years and, in the pursuit of mimicking the natural bone mineral's composition, over 70 elements of the Periodic Table were already reported as substituents into HAp structure. The current study aimed to create materials based on HAp, Hap-Ce, and Hap-Mg using hydrothermal maturation in the microwave field. This route has been considered a novel, promising, and effective way to obtain monodisperse, fine nanoparticles while easily controlling the synthesis parameters. The synthesized HAp powders were characterized morphologically and structurally by XRD diffraction, Dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, FTIR spectrometry, and SEM analysis. Proliferation and morphological analysis on osteoblast cell cultures were used to demonstrate the cytocompatibility of the produced biomaterials. The antimicrobial effect was highlighted in the synthesized samples, especially for hydroxyapatite substituted with cerium. Therefore, the samples of HAp substituted with cerium or magnesium are proposed as biomaterials with enhanced osseointegration, also having the capacity to reduce device-associated infections.

H2O2-PLA-(Alg)2Ca Hydrogel Enriched in Matrigel® Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing.

Hydrogel-based dressings exhibit suitable features for successful wound healing, including flexibility, high water-vapor permeability and moisture retention, and exudate absorption capacity. Moreover, enriching the hydrogel matrix with additional therapeutic components has the potential to generate synergistic results. Thus, the present study centered on diabetic wound healing using a Matrigel-enriched alginate hydrogel embedded with polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The synthesis and physicochemical characterization of the samples, performed to evidence their compositional and microstructural features, swelling, and oxygen-entrapping capacity, were reported. For investigating the three-fold goal of the designed dressings (i.e., releasing oxygen at the wound site and maintaining a moist environment for faster healing, ensuring the absorption of a significant amount of exudate, and providing biocompatibility), in vivo biological tests on wounds of diabetic mice were approached. Evaluating multiple aspects during the healing process, the obtained composite material proved its efficiency for wound dressing applications by accelerating wound healing and promoting angiogenesis in diabetic skin injuries.