Development of fish-derived collagen/MXene hybrid patches for modulating the diabetic wound microenvironment

The global healthcare system faces a significant challenge from chronic and diabetic wounds, which require innovative therapeutic systems to improve tissue repair. The study was conducted using a composite comprising chitosan (Cs), fish collagen (FC), MXene, Zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), and Copper (Cu). In this study, the nanocomposite was incorporated into wound dressing patches using an environmentally friendly gel-casting method. In particular, the combination of MXene nanosheets with bioactive metal-ion-incorporated patches exhibited enhanced mechanical strength, stability, and moisture retention. Moreover, the Cs/FC/MXene/ZrO₂+Cu showed excellent cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and antibacterial activity in in vitro conditions. The in vivo studies were performed using streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice with full-thickness wounds. Furthermore, the histopathological examination showed that the treated wounds developed thick collagen networks, exhibited granulation tissue, increased angiogenesis, and decreased inflammation compared with the control groups. Collectively, the combination of MXene with bioactive metal composite produced enhanced wound-healing outcomes through synergistic effects. The developed nanocomposite-incorporated patch demonstrates significant therapeutic potential to mitigate the clinical and socioeconomic burdens associated with chronic and diabetic ulcers. Chronic and diabetic wounds require innovative tissue repair therapies. Here,an MXene-based nanocomposite patch enhanced biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and diabetic wound healing in vitro and in vivo.