Collagen/chitosan/genipin hydrogel loaded with phycocyanin nanoparticles and ND-336 for diabetic wound healing.

Diabetic wound healing remains a healthcare challenge due to the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and the imbalance between angiogenic factors and vascular inhibitory factors. In this study, we developed a nanocomposite injectable collagen/chitosan hydrogel for the treatment of delayed diabetic wound healing, which can promote cell migration to the wound site (through the addition of phycocyanin) and reduce the expression of MMP-9 (through the use of ND-336) to improve the therapeutic effect of diabetic wound healing. Furthermore, different weight ratios of collagen and chitosan hydrogels were prepared to select the hydrogel with proper mechanical properties.