Vascularization and neuralization of bioactive calcium magnesium phosphate/hydrogels for wound healing

Reconstruction of the microenvironment at the site of injury plays an important role in tissue regeneration and functional recovery. With calcium magnesium phosphate (MCPC) as a model, the effects of MCPC on the vascularization and neurotization in the process of wound regeneration were investigated. Herein, a series of MCPC/hydrogels with different concentrations (0–4%) of MCPC were synthesized. The results showed that MCPC could stimulate the migration behavior of vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and up-regulate the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α genes. Further in vivo results revealed that MCPC/hydrogels significantly improved wound healing and blood vessel formation. In addition, we demonstrated that MCPC/hydrogels could also largely accelerate the regeneration of nerves, which would finally contribute to wound healing due to the proper release of magnesium and calcium ions. This research also provides an insight toward the positive role of MCPC in vascular and nerve reconstruction during wound healing.