Significance
Chronic, non-healing wounds promote an inflammatory environment that inhibits the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which secrete pro-healing and regenerative cytokines. The goal of this project is to apply principles of tissue engineering to achieve controllable release of the pro-healing chemokine SDF-1α to modulate the intracellular signaling and migratory behavior of MSCs. In this work, we introduce a nanocomposite strategy to tailor the release of SDF-1α using a liposome/gelatin methacrylate hydrogel approach. We are the first group to report the delivery of liposomal SDF-1α using this strategy. Our findings aim to further elucidate the role of MSCs in directing wound healing and guide the development of immunomodulatory and therapeutic delivery strategies for clinical wound healing applications.
Statement of significance
Chronic, non-healing wounds promote an inflammatory environment that inhibits the migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which secrete pro-healing and regenerative cytokines. The goal of this project is to apply principles of tissue engineering to achieve controllable release of the pro-healing chemokine SDF-1α to modulate the intracellular signaling and migratory behavior of MSCs. In this work, we introduce a nanocomposite strategy to tailor the release of SDF-1α using a liposome/gelatin methacrylate hydrogel approach. We are the first group to report the delivery of liposomal SDF-1α using this strategy. Our findings aim to further elucidate the role of MSCs in directing wound healing and guide the development of immunomodulatory and therapeutic delivery strategies for clinical wound healing applications.