Conjugation of CTGF with Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles for the development of wound healing hydrogel patch

Abstract

Non-healing chronic wounds are the key concern in type-2 diabetes that frequently leads to chronic infections, finally causes amputation of limbs, organs etc. Decrease in the proliferation and migration of cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts is the major reason for the development of such chronic diabetic wounds. Multiple evidences have shown that CTGF and reduced graphene oxide possesses angiogenic property and promote wound healing by promoting proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes cells.Conjugation of rGO with CTGF using EDC-NHS chemistry is a novel approach to accelerate the wound healing process. In the current work, we have developed a rGO/CTGF incorporated GelMA hydrogel dressing to improve wound healing by increasing proliferation and migration of cells as well as promoting formation of new blood vessels for increased supply of nutrients, oxygen and growth factors to wound area