A robust visualized sericin hydrogel dressing with excellent antioxidative and antimicrobial activities facilitates diabetic wound healing

Abstract

Oxidative stress and infection significantly obstruct the process of diabetic wound healing. Herein, we developed a new sericin hydrogel with excellent antioxidative and antimicrobial features for the treatment of diabetic wounds. This hydrogel was prepared from a native sericin solution collected from silk fibroin-deficient mutant silkworm bodies; it also possesses exceptional ductility, high transparency, and excellent biocompatibility, enabling the hydrogel dressing to effectively eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species, while preventing bacterial infections within the diabetic wound microenvironment. Additionally, the hydrogel facilitates real-time monitoring of wounds and surgical sutures. Furthermore, it demonstrates pH-responsive swelling and degradation properties, along with a microporous structure, which collectively foster a moist, flexible, and breathable environment conducive to tissue regeneration, thereby promoting wound healing. Moreover, the hydrogel promotes the adhesion and proliferation of NIH3T3 cells, and in vivo studies highlight its ability to expedite wound healing. These findings suggest that the formic acid-treated sericin hydrogel dressing holds great promise as an advanced solution for managing diabetic wounds.