Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (19): 5072-5081.doi: 10.12307/2026.282

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Exosomes promote diabetic wound healing: a visual analysis of research hotspots and evolutionary trends

Jian Xichao, Shao Jingjie, Tang Shihan, Qi Fang, Deng Chengliang   

  1. Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, Guizhou Province, China
  • Received:2025-09-23 Accepted:2025-12-08 Online:2026-07-08 Published:2026-02-24
  • Contact: Deng Chengliang, MD, Chief physician, Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, Guizhou Province, China
  • About author:Jian Xichao, MS candidate, Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, Guizhou Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82160379 (to QF)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diabetes wound is one of the serious complications of diabetes patients, and its complex pathological mechanism and clinical treatment dilemma is still a major challenge. In recent years, exosomes have become a new focus in the field of diabetes wound research because they play a key role in intercellular communication, immune regulation, and tissue repair.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the research hotspots and evolutionary trends of exosomes in diabetic wound healing.  
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the Web of Science core collection to identify English literature focusing on exosomes in diabetic wound healing and published between the inception of the database and December 31, 2024. The annual publication volume was analyzed to track changes over time. Visual analyses using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software were performed on the retrieved literature to examine key aspects such as authors, countries, institutions, journals, and keywords, providing insights into the current research landscape and evolving hot topics in exosomes for diabetic wound healing.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: From 2014 to 2024, a total of 424 publications on exosome-promoted diabetic wound healing were produced, contributed by 2 883 authors from 46 countries and featured in 199 journals. In the realm of exosome-promoted diabetic wound healing research, China has emerged as the leading contributor, followed closely by the United States. The journals Journal of Nanobiotechnology and Advanced Healthcare Materials have published the highest number of papers and are recognized for their significant influence in the field. Notably, author Chen Zhenbing and Huazhong University of Science and Technology stand out as the most prolific author and institution, respectively. However, the researcher clusters have yet to attain a substantial scale, indicating that future efforts are necessary to enhance team collaboration. Global research focus is primarily concentrated on ten thematic groups, including adipose-derived stem cells, diabetic wounds, diabetic wound healing, wound healing, endoplasmic reticulum stress, microbubbles, collagen, proteomics, and diabetic foot infections. The research hotspots in this field are undergoing a transition from molecular mechanisms to systemic interventions. Future research trends will center on angiogenesis, macrophages, antimicrobial agents and hydrogels. It is essential to integrate multidisciplinary technologies on this basis to achieve more effective precision treatments and optimize management strategies for diabetic wounds.


Key words: exosomes, diabetes, diabetic wounds, wound healing, visual analysis

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