Hydrogel-Delivered Recombinant Fibronectin DK1 Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing by Boosting Cellular Responses
Summary: This 2026 preclinical study (Shiwen Chen et al.) develops a hydrogel system for sustained delivery of recombinant fibronectin fragment DK1 to treat diabetic wounds. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse models with full-thickness wounds, the DK1-hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure rates, improved re-epithelialization, enhanced collagen deposition and organization, promoted angiogenesis, and boosted fibroblast/keratinocyte proliferation and migration compared to controls. It also reduced excessive inflammation. The biocompatible hydrogel provides a moist environment and controlled release, addressing key barriers in diabetic foot ulcer healing. Results support further development of fibronectin-based biomaterial therapies as a promising advanced dressing approach.
Key Highlights:
- DK1-hydrogel accelerates closure and re-epithelialization in diabetic models
- Enhances collagen, angiogenesis, and cellular proliferation/migration
- Reduces inflammation while maintaining biocompatibility
- Authors include Shiwen Chen (lead/corresponding contributors noted in publication)
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Keywords: DK1 hydrogel, fibronectin diabetic wound, diabetic wound healing, Shiwen Chen