The Journal of Nanobiotechnology has a new study about a novel strategy to help heal stubborn, chronic wounds in people with diabetes using specially engineered tiny particles called exosomes, which come from a type of stem cell. These stem cells are from the umbilical cord, known as mesenchymal stem cells.

So, what exactly did the researchers do?

Firstly, they manipulated the stem cells to produce two recombinant (or artificial) proteins. One of these proteins is called eNOS, which has a major role in making new blood vessels – something extremely important for wound healing. The researchers then loaded these proteins into the exosomes. The technique used to do this is called EXPLOR, and it relies on blue light.

The exosomes loaded with eNOS were then studied in the lab using cells called fibroblasts (which help in wound healing) and vascular endothelial cells (which line our blood vessels). The researchers also created wounds on the backs of diabetic mice to study the effects in a living organism.

The results showed that these special exosomes (UCMSC-exo/eNOS) improved the function of cells that had been exposed to high levels of glucose (sugar), and reduced inflammation and cell death caused by oxidative stress (which is a harmful process that can damage our cells).

In the mice, these exosomes increased the rate of wound closure, promoted the creation of new blood vessels, and helped in the remodeling of the wound area. They also improved the local inflammatory environment, which means they helped regulate the immune system response at the wound site, promoting better healing.

In simple terms, this study is about using a special type of stem cell and modifying it with light to produce healing particles that can help stubborn wounds in diabetes heal faster and better. This strategy is still being studied and is not yet available as a treatment, but the results from this study are promising.