Ultrasmall Antioxidant Copper Nanozyme to Enhance Stem Cell Microenvironment for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing

Purpose: Stem cell therapy is a promising approach for treating chronic diabetic wounds. However, its effectiveness is significantly limited by the high oxidative stress environment and persistent inflammation induced by diabetes. Strategies to overcome these challenges are essential to enhance the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy.

Methods: Cu_5.4O ultrasmall nanoparticles (Cu_5.4O-USNPs), known for their excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties, were utilized to protect adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from oxidative stress injury. In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the viability, paracrine activity, and anti-inflammatory capabilities of ADSCs loaded with Cu_5.4O-USNPs under oxidative stress conditions. In vivo experiments in diabetic mice were performed to assess the therapeutic effects of Cu_5.4O-USNP-loaded ADSCs on wound healing, including their impact on inflammation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and wound closure.

Results: ADSCs treated with Cu_5.4O-USNPs showed significantly enhanced viability, paracrine activity, and anti-inflammatory properties under oxidative stress conditions in vitro. In diabetic mice, Cu_5.4O-USNP-loaded ADSCs reduced inflammatory responses in wound tissues, promoted collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, and accelerated diabetic wound healing. These findings suggest that Cu_5.4O-USNPs effectively mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs.

Conclusion: This study presents a simple and effective approach to improve the therapeutic potential of stem cell therapy for diabetic wounds. By incorporating Cu_5.4O-USNPs, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities of ADSCs are significantly enhanced, offering a promising strategy for ROS-related tissue repair and chronic wound healing.