Title:Catalytic Nanomedicine. Cu/TiO2–SiO2 Nanoparticles as Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Case Report
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Author(s): Tessy López-Goerne*, Paola Ramírez-Olivares, Luis Armando Pérez-Dávalos, Javier Alejandro Velázquez-Muñoz and Jesús Reyes-González
Affiliation:
- Laboratorio de Nanotecnologia y Nanomedicina, Departamento de Atencion a la Salud. Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Villa Quietud, C. P. 04960, Ciudad de Mexico,Mexico
Keywords:
Diabetic foot ulcer, diabetic foot disease, nanomedicine, catalytic nanomedicine, Cu/TiO2-
SiO2 nanoparticles, case report, nanobiomaterials, nanobiocatalyzers.
Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important health issues
worldwide. The rising incidence of the disease has resulted in a parallel increase of complications
such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). It is estimated that 25% of patients with diabetes
will develop foot ulcers over a lifetime. In Mexico, this lifetime incidence is about
40% to 50%, and 20% of the cases will require amputations. DFU can result in staggering
financial burdens for the healthcare system and the patient. Therapies that promote rapid
and complete healing and reduce the need for expensive surgical procedures would impact
these costs substantially.
Methods: Cu/TiO2–SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by T. López et al. sol-gel patented
method. After synthesis, they were characterized using transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and X-ray diffraction. Then, they were embedded in a polymeric gel matrix.
The Cu/TiO2–SiO2 nanogel was used as conservative therapy for a chronic non-healing
DFU on a 62-year old female with several comorbidities and chronic complications of diabetes.
Wound debridement was performed prior to nanogel administration. The nanogel
was applied over the ulcer on alternate days for an initial period of 2 weeks and then continued
for 10 months.
Results: Significant improvement was observed in the wound healing process since the
first applications. The infection was limited and tissue regeneration was enhanced until
complete healing of the ulcer.
Conclusion: Cu/TiO2–SiO2 nanogel therapy enhanced reepithelialization and healing of
the DFU. The successful outcome allowed to avoid the amputation that was proposed for
the patient.