Exploring the therapeutic potential of silkworm pupae extract and stromal vascular fraction in diabetic wound healing

Chronic wounds from diabetes mellitus (DM), a global health issue, may be healed by silkworm cocoon extract's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capabilities. Silkworm pupae extract was characterized based on the concentration and type of amino acids and proteins through Bradford assay, SDS-PAGE, and LC-MS/MS. For diabetic rat wound treatment, the extract was incorporated into silk fibroin/chitosan/hydrogel. Histology, immunohistochemistry, inflammation, neovascularization, and epidermal thickness were measured using ImageJ software over 3, 7, 14, and 21 days with or without stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells to assess regeneration potential. On day 14, pupae extract and SVF cell hydrogels reduced inflammation. Both components reduced inflammation on day 7, however by day 14 there was insignificant difference from the control group. Neovascularization increased with pupae extract or a combination at days 3 and 7, but not 14 and 21. Epidermal thickness increased on days 7 and 14, whereas pupae extract and SVF cell collagen deposition peaked on days 14 and 21. We observed treatment effects on days 7 and 14, observing collagen deposition on days 14 and 21 (p < 0.01). While SVF group alone had less significant outcomes, the pupae extract with the SVF group responded most therapeutically, followed by the other group.