Development and Evaluation of RADA-PDGF2 Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel for Enhanced Skin Wound Healing

The study developed a self-assembling peptide hydrogel, RADA-PDGF2, to enhance skin wound healing by combining the RADA16-I peptide with the PDGF2 peptide, linked by a neutrophil elastase-specific fragment. This hydrogel demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity, promoted cell proliferation and migration, and enhanced collagen synthesis in vitro. In a murine model, it significantly accelerated wound closure and epithelialization compared to a control hydrogel, with 60% closure by day 9 versus 23% in the control. The hydrogel's chemical stability, biocompatibility, and ability to promote wound healing suggest its potential for treating chronic wounds, although further research is needed to optimize its therapeutic applications. The study involved 12 wounds in the mouse model.