Metal ion formulations for diabetic wound healing: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

The Role of Common Metals in Diabetic Wound Healing. In diabetic wound healing, metals like iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and silver (Ag) play crucial roles due to their unique properties. Iron enhances oxygen transport and collagen synthesis, vital for cellular respiration and structural integrity of new tissue. Copper promotes cell migration and angiogenesis, essential for ensuring adequate blood flow and nutrient delivery to healing tissues. It also aids in collagen cross-linking through enzyme activation, improving wound contraction. Zinc, an antioxidant, protects against oxidative damage and supports immune function, crucial for infection control in diabetic wounds. It also facilitates cell division, necessary for tissue regeneration. Silver, known for its strong antibacterial properties, is used in wound dressings to provide sustained microbial protection, crucial for preventing infections in compromised immune systems. Together, these metals contribute significantly to improving healing outcomes in diabetic wound management by enhancing tissue repair, preventing infection, and supporting overall wound recovery (by Figdraw Authorized ID:IRTWU6fe6a). [Display omitted] Metals are vital in human physiology, which not only act as enzyme catalysts in the processes of superoxide dismutase and glucose phosphorylation, but also affect the redox process, osmotic adjustment, metabolism and neural signals. However, metal imbalances can lead to diseases such as diabetes, which is marked by chronic hyperglycemia and affects wound healing. The hyperglycemic milieu of diabetes impairs wound healing, posing significant challenges to patient quality of life. Wound healing encompasses a complex cascade of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases, which are susceptible to disruption in hyperglycemic conditions. In recent decades, metals have emerged as critical facilitators of wound repair by enhancing antimicrobial properties (e.g., iron and silver), providing angiogenic stimulation (copper), promoting antioxidant activity and growth factor synthesis (zinc), and supporting wound closure (calcium and magnesium). Consequently, research has pivoted towards the development of metal ion-based therapeutics, including innovative formulations such as nano-hydrogels, nano-microneedle dressings, and microneedle patches. Prepared by combining macromolecular materials such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid and sodium alginate with metals, aiming at improving