Graphene quantum dots-hybrid hydrogel as an avant-garde biomimetic scaffold for diabetic wound healing

Abstract

In the age of fathoming biomedical predicaments, ardently emerged the field of materiobiology to effectively counter the archetypal and outdated therapies. Correspondingly, the subpar activity of the over-the-counter wound dressing pharmaceuticals have been dominated with the implementation of biocompatible, water-retaining exotic hydrogels to facilitate accelerated diabetic wound healing. Considering a strategy to develop a pragmatic biomimetic scaffold having the ability of dynamic wound healing with diminutive inflammation, we investigated the creation of graphene quantum dot (GQD)-polyacrylic acid (PAA) hybrid hydrogel. We observe appropriate percentage of GQD incorporation in PAA to demonstrate lower pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) along with higher anti-inflammatory (IL-10) expressions in contrast to natural and standard controls. Likewise, histological examinations corresponding to the in-vitro and in-vivo toxicological analysis of GQD-PAA manifested to be a non-toxic, biocompatible saviour of diabetic wounds. This hybrid hydrogel reports the quickest diabetic wound healing of 13 days. Additionally, the hybrid hydrogel also demonstrates salient antibacterial activity against E. coli. We explore a multifaceted mechanistic approach attributed by the hybrid framework as an avant-garde solution in materiobiology and diabetic wound healing nexus. We believe the GQD-hybrid hydrogel reveals an advancement that could portray a new horizon against diabetic wounds.

Keywords: Biomimetic scaffold; Diabetic wound healing; Graphene quantum dots; Hybrid hydrogel.