Immobilization of hUC-MSCs conditioned medium on 3D PLLA collagen-coated matrix enhances diabetic wound healing progression

Conditioned medium (CM) derived from human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) which contains numerous amounts of growth factors, has demonstrated potential in treatment of diabetic wounds. However, for practical application, a biodegradable supporting material is needed to hold the CM and fill in the injury site, where deep cavity wounds are often present in diabetic patients. Poly-l-lactic acid matrix coated with collagen (PLLA/CC) is a suitable carrier due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. Thus, we present a method to immobilize the hUC-MSCs CM on PLLA/CC through freeze-drying process (PLLA/CC CM FD). When seeded on PLLA/CC CM FD, fibroblasts had an increased cellular function in producing collagen; although no enhancement in cell viability was observed. Moreover, implantation of PLLA/CC CM FD on the wound of diabetic rats showed improvement in wound closure and collagen deposition in the wound area. Altogether, this study exhibits the potential of PLLA/CC CM FD as a therapy for diabetic deep cavity wound.