Triple-layered core-shell fiber dressings with enduring platelet conservation and sustained growth factor release abilities for chronic wound healing.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of the most popular biomaterials in regenerative medicine. However, the difficulties encountered in its preservation, and the requirement for on-demand preparation severely limit its application. In addition, its rapid degradation in the wound microenvironment makes the sustained release of growth factors impossible and finally reduces the therapeutic effect on chronic wounds.

Platelet-rich plasma-loaded bioactive chitosan@sodium alginate@gelatin shell-core fibrous hydrogels with enhanced sustained release of growth factors for diabetic foot ulcer healing.

The ability of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel to promote rapid wound healing without immunological rejection has opened new avenues for the treatment of diabetic foot wounds. However, PRP gel still suffers from the quick release of growth factors (GFs) and requires frequent administration, thus resulting in decreased wound healing efficiency, higher cost as well as greater pain and suffering for the patients. In this study, the flow-assisted dynamic physical cross-linked coaxial microfluidic three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing technology, combined with the calcium ion chemical dual cross-linking method was developed to design PRP-loaded bioactive multi-layer shell-core fibrous hydrogels.

A multifunctional 3D dressing unit based on the core-shell hydrogel microfiber for diabetic foot wound healing.

The healing mechanism of diabetic foot wounds is very complicated, and it is difficult for a single-function medical dressing to achieve good therapeutic effects. We propose a simple coaxial biological 3D printing technology, which uses one-step 3D deposition to continuously produce multifunctional medical dressings on the basis of core-shell hydrogel fibers. These dressings have good biocompatibility, controlled drug-release performance, excellent water absorption and retention, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions.