Hybrid biomaterial hydrogel loading iRGD&PS double modified lipid nanoparticles ameliorates diabetic wound healing through promoting efferocytosis and glycolysis-related macrophage reprogramming

Efferocytosis is a critical process whereby macrophages residing in the wound area play a key role in the efficient clearing and degradation of apoptotic neutrophils. This process is followed by a phenotypic transition toward an anti-inflammatory state, essential for inflammation resolution and tissue repair. The cystine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 has recently been identified as an inhibitor of efferocytosis, and its blockade has been found to enhance wound healing. In this study, we demonstrated that tiliroside, a plant-derived glycoside containing flavones, binds directly to SLC7A11 and pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2). This was established by molecular docking predictions and activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). Cytological experiments revealed that tiliroside promoted the process of efferocytosis and led to glycolysis-related macrophage reprogramming. To facilitate targeted drug delivery to macrophages at diabetic wound sites, we designed a novel hybrid biomaterial. This hybrid biomaterial, prepared as Gel@Til iRGD&PS@PLGA NPs is manufactured by loading tiliroside (Til)-conjugated iRGD&PS double modified lipid nanoparticles (iRGD&PS@PLGA NPs) into a pH-responsive hydrogel matrix. The administration of Gel@Til iRGD&PS@PLGA NPs in diabetic cutaneous wound models has been shown to significantly promote tissue regeneration through the promotion of efferocytosis and glycolysis-related macrophage reprogramming. Therefore, this study introduces a novel approach to diabetic wound management by leveraging the promotion of efferocytosis.