Living hydrogel with blood derived elements for wound healing

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Blood components like platelets (PLTs) and red blood cells (RBCs) are crucial for natural wound healing processes.
• Existing wound healing strategies often lack the multifaceted functionality to address complex healing challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an advanced living hydrogel inspired by RBCs and PLTs to accelerate wound healing.
• To engineer a hydrogel with integrated hemostatic, oxygen-supplying, antibacterial, and photothermal capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D living hydrogel incorporating RBCs, PLTs, and black phosphorus quantum dots (BP QDs).
• Incorporation of polymyxin for antibacterial properties and utilization of BP QDs for near-infrared (NIR) triggered photothermal effects and oxygen release.
• Evaluation of hydrogel biocompatibility, cell seeding efficiency, hemostasis, and tissue regeneration in *in vivo* models.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogel demonstrated a 3D pleated structure, enhancing cell seeding and supporting hemostasis and tissue regeneration.
• NIR-triggered photothermal effect from BP QDs enabled controlled oxygen release.
• The hydrogel exhibited significant antibacterial activity and promoted wound repair in *in vivo* studies.

Conclusions:

• The bioinspired living hydrogel effectively integrates multiple therapeutic functions for accelerated wound healing.
• This innovative biomaterial shows significant potential as a therapeutic strategy for complex wound management.
• The study underscores the promise of combining cellular components with nanomaterials for advanced regenerative therapies.