Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) loaded gelatin/silk fibroin hydrogels for improving healing in a murine pressure ulcer model

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are areas of localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue, which impose a major burden to patients and medical systems. Natural polymeric hydrogels featuring multifunctional properties are the most attractive for accelerating the healing of chronic wounds. In this study, we developed adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) loaded hydrogel system based on methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) and methacrylated silk fibroin (SFMA) as cell and growth factors delivery vehicles for the treatment of pressure ulcers. The presented GelMA/10%SFMA hydrogel showed appropriate swelling ratio, stable rheological properties, slow biodegradability, appropriate mechanical properties and a sustained release of growth factors. In vitro cell experiments indicated that GelMA/SFMA/PRP hydrogel showed excellent biocompatibility and could promote ADSCs growth and proliferation. In vivo wound healing of mice pressure ulcer further indicated that the prepared GelMA/SFMA/PRP/ADSCs hydrogel could accelerate wound healing, reepithelialisation and collagen deposition. Further analysis of wound tissue indicated that the expression of CD31, α-SMA, Col-1 and S100 was up-regulated, but the expression of pro-inflammatory factor CD68 were down-regulated. Altogether, we believe that GelMA/SFMA/PRP/ADSCs hydrogel may serve as a promising multifunctional dressing for healing of pressure injuries.