Dual-network hydrogel loaded with antler stem cells conditioned medium and EGCG promotes diabetic wound healing through antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenesis

Diabetic wound healing is characterized by persistent inflammation, reactive oxygen species overproduction, bacterial infection, and compromised angiogenesis. In recent years, Antler Stem Cells (ASCs) have attracted attention because of their potential role in promoting wound healing by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis via paracrine effects. In addition, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main component of green tea, exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this study, we designed and fabricated a gelatin (G)/sodium alginate (SA)-based (SA/G) dual-network hydrogel loaded with ASC-derived conditioned medium (ASC-CM) and EGCG (CEGA) that exhibited excellent swelling capacity, sustained release, and mechanical properties. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that CEGA hydrogels were capable of enhancing cell proliferation, promoting angiogenesis, exhibiting antibacterial properties, mitigating inflammation, and regulating macrophage polarization. These results substantiate their potential application as novel dressings for healing diabetic skin wounds.