Electrospun membranes chelated by metal magnesium ions enhance pro-angiogenic activity and promote diabetic wound healing

Abstract

Diabetic wounds, resulting from skin atrophy due to localized ischemia and hypoxia in diabetic patients, lead to chronic pathological inflammation and delayed healing. Using electrospinning technology, we developed magnesium ion-chelated nanofiber membranes to explore their efficacy in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic applications for wound healing. These membranes are flexible and elastic, resembling native skin tissue, and possess good hydrophilicity for comfortable wound bed contact. The mechanical properties of nanofiber membranes are enhanced by the chelation of magnesium ions (Mg2+), which also facilitates a long-term slow release of Mg2+. The cytocompatibility of the nanofibrous membranes is influenced by their Mg2+ content: lower levels encourage the proliferation of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages, while higher levels are inhibitory. In a diabetic rat model, magnesium ion-chelated nanofibrous membranes effectively reduced early wound inflammation and notably accelerated wound healing. This study highlights the potential of magnesium ion-chelated nanofiber membranes in treating diabetic wounds.