• A novel chitosan-based nanofibrous bioscaffold fabricated via controlled extrusion enables localized delivery of mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs and PLMSCs) to diabetic wounds, overcoming poor cell retention and viability.
• The CS70 formulation exhibited optimal physicochemical properties including hydrophilicity, swelling, biodegradation, and biocompatibility, supporting cell attachment and proliferation.
• In a diabetic rat excisional wound model, MSC-loaded scaffolds significantly accelerated wound closure, enhanced re-epithelialization and neovascularization, and reduced inflammation compared to acellular scaffolds.
• This cell-loaded nanofibrous scaffold represents a promising tissue engineering strategy for improving diabetic ulcer management and advancing wound care.