Baicalin derivative dynamically cross-linked natural polysaccharide hydrogel for diabetic wound healing

Diabetes is a chronic disease affects nearly 10% of the global population, the prolonged metabolic abnormalities and the complex microenvironment in diabetic wounds often leading to impaired healing. To address the typical characteristics of diabetic wounds, such as hyperglycemia, low pH, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and chronic inflammation, this study designed a baicalin derivative dynamically cross-linked natural polysaccharide hydrogel (CFPB) and explored its potential to promote diabetic wound healing. The framework of CFPB utilized chitosan and modified with dextran to introduce aldehyde groups via mild grafting, and crosslinked with the modified active substance baicalin to effectively extend the drug delivery time. A series of characterizations demonstrated that CFPB hydrogel possesses excellent mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and responsive release capability. Subsequently, multi-level biological experiments validated the promoting effect of CFPB hydrogel on diabetic wound healing in vitro and in vivo. This study not only offers a potential candidate for the local therapy of diabetic wounds, but also provides new insights for the development of advanced wound dressings.