Single-cell transcriptomics-guided dynamic hydrogel delivery of artemisia argyi-derived EVs relieves ER stress and promotes diabetic wound regeneration.

Abstract

Diabetic wounds are characterized by persistent inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, and delayed tissue regeneration, yet effective strategies to regulate the pathological immune microenvironment remain limited. Here, integrated single-cell transcriptomics and multi-omics analyses revealed significant enrichment of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related signaling in pro-inflammatory macrophages within diabetic wounds, suggesting a potential mechanism driving chronic inflammation. To target this process, we developed an injectable dynamic hydrogel (GPOK-2@EVs) incorporating Artemisia argyi-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) for localized immunomodulatory therapy. The hydrogel was formed through dual dynamic crosslinking between phenylboronic acid-modified gelatin and oxidized konjac glucomannan, providing self-healing capability, injectability, tissue adhesion, and pH/ROS-responsive degradation for sustained EV release. In vitro experiments demonstrated that GPOK-2@EVs exhibited excellent biocompatibility and effectively reprogrammed macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype, accompanied by reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion, alleviated ERS activation, decreased ROS accumulation, and improved mitochondrial integrity. GPOK-2@EVs significantly enhanced endothelial angiogenic activities, including cytoskeletal remodeling, tube formation, and migration. In a diabetic mouse wound model, GPOK-2@EVs accelerated wound closure, promoted granulation tissue formation and collagen deposition, enhanced vascularization, and suppressed inflammatory and ERS responses. These findings demonstrate that EV-loaded dynamic hydrogels can modulate the inflammatory microenvironment and promote diabetic wound regeneration, providing a promising biomaterial strategy for chronic wound therapy.