Preclinical evaluation of decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds for treatment of chronic diabetic wounds in BABL/C mice.

Chronic diabetic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pose a significant health challenge due to their prolonged healing times and high recurrence rates. Conventional treatments are often inadequate, driving interest in advanced therapeutic approaches like biological scaffolds. Decellularized scaffolds, which replicate the extracellular matrix (ECM), have shown potential in promoting tissue regeneration and wound healing. This study evaluated the efficacy of decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds in enhancing wound healing in a preclinical murine model of chronic diabetic wounds. Bovine articular cartilage was decellularized using a combination of chemical and physical processes. The scaffolds were characterized through H and E staining (to assess histomorphological characteristics), FTIR, and SEM analyses to confirm ECM preservation and effective decellularization. Twenty female diabetic BALB/c mice were divided into two groups: a control group (treated with Atrauman Ag® dressings) and an experimental group (treated with decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds). This study examined the effects of decellularization on the structural and chemical properties of the cartilage scaffolds, as well as their impact on wound healing and closure rates in diabetic mice compared to the control group. Mice treated with the decellularized cartilage scaffolds demonstrated a significantly faster wound closure rate (100% closure by day 17) compared to the control group (75% closure by day 17, P < 0.01). Histological analysis revealed more organized epidermal regeneration, fibrin deposition, and granulation tissue formation in the scaffold-treated group. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed the preservation and integrity of the ECM before and after the decellularization process. Decellularized bovine articular cartilage scaffolds significantly enhance wound healing in chronic diabetic wounds by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest that such scaffolds represent a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds.