Injectable Thermosensitive Placental ECM–Copper Hydrogel With Endothelial Progenitor Cells for Pressure Ulcer Repair

The study presents an innovative approach to treating pressure ulcers using an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel composed of human placenta-derived soluble extracellular matrix (sECM) and low-dose copper sulfate (CuSO4), combined with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). This hydrogel addresses the challenges of ischemia, extracellular matrix disruption, and impaired angiogenesis in pressure ulcers. The hydrogel demonstrated improved mechanical properties and supported EPC viability and proliferation, significantly accelerating wound closure in a magnet-induced ischemic pressure ulcer model. By day 21, the wound area was reduced to 1.24% compared to 17.35% in controls. Histological analysis showed enhanced tissue regeneration, with increased hair follicle density and collagen deposition. These results suggest that the sECM–copper hydrogel with EPCs is a promising biomaterial for pressure ulcer repair, offering structural support and promoting angiogenesis and cellular contributions.