Porous Dermal Fillers Show Promise for Diabetic Wound Treatment, Research Finds
A groundbreaking study published in ACS Nano introduced an innovative approach for using specialized porous dermal fillers that accelerate tissue healing and regeneration. The injectable granular filler was developed by researchers at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) and could transform how diabetic wounds are treated, which could potentially improve patient outcomes.
“This technology marks a major breakthrough in wound care and management, impacting millions of patients globally,” said Dr. Johnson John, the principal investigator of the study. “Our approach offers a less invasive, highly advanced approach from current treatments potentially improving healing outcomes in a short period of time.”
Researchers developed a novel method combining electrospinning and electrospraying technologies to create porous, granular nanofibrous microspheres (NMs). According to a press release, the microspheres are made from biocompatible materials including poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and gelatin. They can be easily injected into wound sites which makes the treatment minimally invasive.
The presented study found the newly developed dermal fillers with tunable porous microstructures demonstrated remarkable cell migration and granulation tissue formation and neovascularization. The dermal fillers showed enhanced strength and maintained their shape during the injection process.
"This innovative approach to treating diabetic foot ulcers represents exactly the kind of clinically translational technology we need in modern healthcare," said Dr. Ali Khademhosseini, CEO of Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation. "By combining advanced biomaterials science with practical clinical applications, we're opening new possibilities for millions of diabetic patients who suffer from chronic wounds. This research exemplifies our commitment to developing solutions that are both scientifically sophisticated and practically applicable in real-world medical settings."
The research most notable demonstrates promise in promoting three crucial aspects of wound healing: host cell infiltration, formation of new blood vessels, and skin regeneration.
The study’s findings suggest the treatment could significantly improve healing outcomes for diabetic wounds.
Researchers say the new approach could potentially reduce the need for such drastic intervention while improving patients’ quality of life.
Future studies are being planned to advance the technology towards clinical trials. The presented study is supported by the PI’s RO1 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).