Formulation and Application of a Human Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Loaded Hydrogel for Diabetic Wound Healing
Summary: This study formulates and evaluates a human insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-loaded hydrogel using chitosan/gelatin for diabetic wound healing. IGF-1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling—key in delayed diabetic repair due to hyperglycemia/impaired growth factor signaling. Hydrogel: Biocompatible, pH-responsive, sustained IGF-1 release (over days), maintains bioactivity. In vitro: Enhances fibroblast proliferation/migration, collagen synthesis, VEGF expression. In vivo (STZ-diabetic rat full-thickness wounds): Accelerated closure (significant reduction in wound area by days 7–14), improved granulation, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition/maturation, increased CD31+ vessels vs. blank hydrogel/untreated controls. No cytotoxicity/inflammation; supports moist environment, infection barrier. Positions IGF-1 hydrogel as targeted, controlled-release platform for chronic diabetic ulcers (DFUs), addressing growth factor deficiencies and offering superior outcomes over standard care.
Key Highlights:
- Release: Sustained IGF-1 delivery preserves bioactivity.
- In vitro: ↑ Proliferation/migration, collagen/VEGF.
- In vivo: Faster closure, better angiogenesis/remodeling.
- Relevance: Growth factor-loaded hydrogel as synthetic adjunct for hard-to-heal diabetic wounds.
Keywords: IGF-1 hydrogel, diabetic wound healing, growth factor delivery, chitosan gelatin