Alpha tocopherol-Nanocellulose loaded alginate membranes and Pluronic hydrogels for diabetic wound healing

This study explored the use of Alginate (ALG) membranes and Pluronic® F-127 hydrogels, both incorporated with alpha-tocopherol (AT) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN), for diabetic wound healing. The ALG-TOCN-AT membrane and P-TOCN-AT hydrogel were designed to provide nutrients and cover wound surfaces. The hydrogel demonstrated a gelation time of 45 ± 1.2 seconds at 37 °C and showed increased viscosity at this temperature. The addition of TOCN and AT improved the tensile strain of the membrane, and AT was released immediately from the hydrogel and in a sustained manner from the membrane. Cell proliferation studies indicated the nontoxic nature of both materials. In diabetic rats, the combined use of the membrane and hydrogel resulted in better wound healing, with enhanced neoepithelialization and angiogenesis, compared to using each individually. The study concluded that the combined application of these materials accelerated wound healing without in-vivo toxicity.