A self-assembly enzyme-like hydrogel with ROS scavenging and immunomodulatory capability for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Conventional hydrogels have limitations in addressing the complex wound healing process.
• On-demand responsive hydrogels offer tailored support by adapting to the wound environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel glycyrrhizic acid (GA) based self-assembly hydrogel (GCP hydrogel) for smart wound management.
• To investigate the triggered release, enzyme-like properties, and therapeutic effects of the GCP hydrogel in wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a GA-based hydrogel coordinated with copper and protocatechuic acid (PA).
• Evaluation of the hydrogel's triggered release behavior, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability (mimicking superoxide dismutase and catalase), antibacterial activity against MRSA, and promotion of angiogenesis.
• Assessment of the hydrogel's anti-inflammatory effects and impact on macrophage activity and tissue regeneration.

Main Results:

• The GCP hydrogel demonstrated triggered release of Cu2+ in response to the wound microenvironment.
• It effectively scavenged ROS, exhibited antibacterial properties against MRSA, and promoted angiogenesis.
• The hydrogel modulated macrophage activity, showing significant anti-inflammatory effects and enhancing tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

• The multifunctional GCP hydrogel platform creates a dynamic microenvironment conducive to tissue regeneration.
• This smart hydrogel shows great potential for advanced wound management applications.