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Microenvironment-feedback regulated hydrogels as living wound healing materials
Yibo Cheng1,2, Yanwen Wang3, Yunyi Wang2
1Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
Nature Communications
|July 2, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a dynamic hydrogel dressing that adapts to wound conditions, releasing medication as needed to heal diabetic chronic wounds and regulate blood glucose levels.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Physiological microenvironments change dynamically during disease and treatment.
- Existing biomaterials are often passive and lack interactive capabilities.
- There is a need for self-regulating medical agents that interact with their environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microenvironment-feedback hydrogel for diabetic chronic wound healing.
- To create a dynamic biomaterial with autonomous and interactive capabilities.
- To achieve homeostatic wound pH and blood glucose levels.
Main Methods:
- Developed a hydrogel using biocatalytic acid generation and pH-regulated imine crosslinks.
- Utilized the alkaline pH of the wound bed as a fuel source.
- Coupled feedback loops to control sol-gel cycling and glucose oxidase (GOx) release.
- Tested the hydrogel in a Type-I diabetic mouse model.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel demonstrated adaptive sol-gel cycling.
- Programmable release of glucose oxidase (GOx) was achieved.
- Homeostatic wound pH and blood glucose levels were attained.
- Accelerated in vivo wound healing and tissue repair were observed.
Conclusions:
- The developed microenvironment-feedback hydrogel acts as a living dressing for diabetic chronic wounds.
- This dynamic hydrogel offers a paradigm for next-generation interactive and self-regulatory biomaterials.
- The study highlights the potential for advanced biomaterials in managing complex chronic conditions.
