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Dimeric copper peptide incorporated hydrogel for promoting diabetic wound healing

Author

Listed:
  • Rui Cong

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Chengyu Deng

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Pengwei Li

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Yiwei Tang

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Jinfan Hou

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Jiehui Zhao

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Qili Wang

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Yingying Chen

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

  • Jiasheng Tu

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

  • Xiqun Jiang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Lei Jiang

    (China Pharmaceutical University)

Abstract

Diabetic wounds require continuous and coordinated modulation of the microenvironment concurrent with tissue regeneration, which remains a significant challenge. As a proof of concept, we herein propose to use dimeric copper peptide (D-CuP) for diabetic wound treatment. The D-CuP is synthesized and then incorporated into a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive hydrogel matrix to improve therapeutic compliance, culminating in the formulation of G/D-CuP. Compared to monomer copper peptide (M-CuP), a wound healing agent, D-CuP exhibits multivalency, enhanced biological stability against proteases, and broad biological activities. Meanwhile, the hydrogel matrix, exhibiting ROS-scavenging capabilities, has been engineered to be an intelligent drug reservoir for wound-responsive release of D-CuP at the wound site while simultaneously attenuating inflammatory responses. Ultimately, the G/D-CuP group demonstrates superior therapeutic efficacy, achieving 97.2% closure of infected wounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Rui Cong & Chengyu Deng & Pengwei Li & Yiwei Tang & Jinfan Hou & Jiehui Zhao & Qili Wang & Yingying Chen & Jiasheng Tu & Xiqun Jiang & Lei Jiang, 2025. "Dimeric copper peptide incorporated hydrogel for promoting diabetic wound healing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61141-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61141-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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