Development of Pectin-Based Hydrogels Coordinating with Metal Ions for the Treatment of Diabetic Infected Wounds

Yusi Song – student, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University; Jiahuan Zhu – Teacher, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University; Qianhui Ye – student, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University; Junting Chen – student, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University; Jiale Zhu – student, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University; Tan Zeng – Teacher, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University; Xiaoe Lou – Teacher, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University; Ying Hu – professor, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical University

Introduction: In diabetic wounds, persistent hyperglycemia disrupts the normal transition of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the reparative M2 phenotype. Gardenia jasminoides pectin (GJP), one of its major polysaccharide components, has been shown to promote macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. In this study, a metal–pectin hydrogel (GJP–X Gel) was developed by coordinating GJP with Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, or Fe³⁺ ions. The effects of metal coordination on the properties of GJP–X Gels were systematically investigated. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations of infected diabetic wound healing were carried out.