Living microecological hydrogels for wound healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Chronic wounds present significant clinical challenges due to infection and hypoxia.
• Current treatments are often limited in effectively addressing these complex wound environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a living microecological hydrogel (LMH) for enhanced chronic wound healing.
• To utilize encapsulated algae and bacteria for continuous oxygen delivery and antimicrobial action.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of functionalized *Chlorella* (algae) and *Bacillus subtilis* (bacteria) within a thermosensitive, wet-adhesive hydrogel (Pluronic F-127 and polydopamine).
• Optimization of microorganism proportions for synergistic effects.
• In vitro and in vivo assessment of oxygen production, antibacterial activity, and wound healing promotion.

Main Results:

• The LMH demonstrated continuous oxygen production by *Chlorella*, alleviating hypoxia.
• *Bacillus subtilis* effectively eliminated pathogenic bacteria, preventing infection.
• Optimized LMH significantly promoted the healing of infected diabetic wounds.

Conclusions:

• The developed living microecological hydrogel offers a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic wound management.
• The combination of algae and bacteria in a functional hydrogel provides a dual action of oxygenation and anti-infection, crucial for healing.
• LMH exhibits potential for practical clinical translation in treating hard-to-heal wounds.