Microfluidics-Inspired Microgels with Intrinsic Bioactivity for Advanced Burn Wound Therapy

Functionalized hydrogel microspheres hold great promise in tissue regeneration, yet their clinical translation is often hindered by high production costs, complex fabrication processes, and reliance on external bioactive additives. To overcome these challenges, multifunctional gelatin-tea polyphenol (GTP) microgels using a simplified, cost-effective, microfluidics-inspired platform are reported, which is composed of an injection unit, a reciprocating apparatus, and a collection substrate. Using a microinjection pump, uncrosslinked microspheres with precisely controlled diameters (125-570 µm) are generated, followed by in situ crosslinking to form GTP microgels, which exhibit excellent stability (>28 days) and rapid water absorption (>300% within 1 min). These GTP microgels display outstanding hemostatic performance, potent antioxidant activity, and excellent photothermal effects. In mouse burn models, GTP microgels combined with photothermal stimulation accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting angiogenesis. By integrating intrinsic therapeutic functions, such as hemostasis, anti-inflammation, and pro-angiogenesis, with a simplified fabrication process, GTP microgels offer a clinically viable approach for advanced wound management.