Glucose-Activated Programmed Hydrogel with Self-Switchable Enzyme-Like Activity for Infected Diabetic Wound...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Diabetic patients exhibit poor blood glucose regulation, leading to chronic wounds complicated by infection, oxidative stress, and vascular damage.
• Delayed healing in diabetic wounds necessitates advanced therapeutic strategies for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a glucose-activated, self-switching hydrogel for intelligent insulin release and comprehensive diabetic wound healing.
• To establish a feedback loop for blood glucose management and a staged treatment plan for chronic wounds.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel incorporating Au─MoS₂─phenylboronic acid nanozyme, insulin-loaded microcapsules, and modified chitosan.
• Utilizing glucose as a trigger for enzyme-like activity, generating reactive oxygen species and a hypoxia environment for insulin release.
• Implementing a self-switching mechanism that supplies oxygen in normoglycemia to inhibit insulin release.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated glucose-activated insulin release for up to 12 hours, coupled with antibacterial properties.
• In vivo studies showed approximately a threefold increase in wound recovery rate compared to commercial dressings.
• The hydrogel effectively regulated blood glucose homeostasis and improved the wound microenvironment, promoting staged healing.

Conclusions:

• The developed hydrogel offers a powerful solution for diabetic wound care by providing intelligent, self-regulated blood glucose management.
• This approach significantly enhances the healing of chronic diabetic wounds through a staged treatment strategy.