Silk fibroin hydrogel: A novel biopolymer for sustained release of vancomycin drug for diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wounds are a global concern due to their sluggish healing and likely to develop bacterial infections. In the current study, we prepared silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel and a composite of vancomycin (VANCO) - loaded SF hydrogel. SEM, swelling behavior, biodegradability, spreadability, viscosity analysis, infrared analysis (FTIR), and 1H NMR spectroscopy were used to characterize the composites and SF hydrogel. In addition, in vitro, in vivo, and serum analyses have been carried out. The results of SEM analysis, FTIR, and 1H NMR spectroscopy confirmed the successful encapsulation of SF hydrogel and VANCO. Whereas, in-vitro research demonstrated the controlled drug release and antibacterial ability of VANCO-loaded SF hydrogel composite. An in-vivo study revealed that a composite of VANCO-loaded SF hydrogel performed better than SF hydrogel and povidone (antiseptic cream), with diabetic wound healing percentages of 86.66, 33.33 and 16.66%, respectively. Further, serum analysis confirmed that in the composite treated group, metabolites such as lactate, serine, taurine, and others had been significantly increased, which have been directly correlated to wound healing. As a result, our composites have significant potential as antiseptic gels for diabetic wound healing.