In vivo study of naringin-loaded biomaterials patch coupled with biosensors for diabetic foot ulcer management

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe complication of diabetes, often leading to prolonged hospitalizations and even amputations. The need for advanced, efficient treatments is critical, particularly in regions like Indonesia, where healthcare resources are limited. In this study, naringin, a bioactive flavonoid renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, was embedded within a biocompatible matrix of alginate, mesoporous silica, and polyvinyl alcohol. Methods: This patch was engineered using electrospinning techniques, ensuring a controlled release of naringin to the wound site. To further advance this treatment modality, a colorimetric biosensor targeting uric acid a critical biomarker of wound severity was seamlessly integrated into the patch. In vivo studies were conducted using diabetic mouse models to assess the patch's efficacy in promoting wound healing. Results: The results were promising: the naringin-loaded patches significantly accelerated wound closure and improved tissue regeneration compared to standard treatments. However, while the concept of integrating biosensors showed promise, the biosensor component in this study did not perform optimally and requires further refinement. The current iteration of the biosensor provided limited real-time monitoring capability, indicating the need for enhanced sensitivity and reliability for the application in the wound environment. This study highlights the potential of naringin-infused biomaterials as a therapeutic option for DFU treatment and underscores the importance of ongoing research to optimize biosensor integration. Conclusions: While the in vivo results are promising, the study calls for further development of biosensors to fully realize the potential of this combined approach in clinical settings.