Hydrogels loaded with aqueous supramolecular fullerene complex for the promotion of diabetic chronic wound healing

Impaired chronic wound healing in diabetes remains a significant clinical problem, with excessive oxidative stress being a major cause of the delay. In this study, we developed a water-soluble 6HPB@C₆₀ complex by encapsulating fullerene C₆₀ molecules within a cubic supramolecular cage 6HPB. Subsequently, 6HPB@C₆₀ was loaded in the sodium alginate hydrogel to create an antioxidant system (6HPB@C₆₀ gel) for diabetic wound healing. 6HPB@C₆₀ gel exhibits a homogeneous and interconnected porous microstructure, demonstrating excellent tissue adhesion, low cytotoxicity, and excellent antioxidant capacity. Diabetic chronic wounds heal faster with 6HPB@C₆₀ gel, which eliminates reactive oxygen species continuously. By regulating macrophage polarization, pro-inflammatory states are reduced, while at the same time cell proliferation, epithelialization, and collagen deposition and alignment are also facilitated. In conclusion, a possible solution for chronic wound management can be found in the 6HPB@C₆₀ gel, which works significantly to accelerate diabetic wound closure and improve wound quality.