Microenvironment-responsive peptide hydrogels: molecular mechanisms, design and frontiers.
Xi-Kun Ma1, Biao Cao1, Xi Liu1,2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Responsive peptide hydrogels dynamically interact with wound environments, responding to biochemical and physical cues for enhanced healing. These smart materials offer precise drug delivery and infection control, advancing chronic wound care.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Responsive peptide hydrogels are advanced platforms for wound management.
- These materials dynamically interact with the wound microenvironment, responding to specific biochemical cues.
- Recent advances include responsiveness to physical stimuli like temperature, light, and magnetic fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the capabilities of responsive peptide hydrogels in wound management.
- To highlight their adaptability to pathological conditions and diverse stimuli.
- To identify challenges and future directions in hydrogel-based wound therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing peptide hydrogels that respond to biochemical cues (pH, ROS, MMPs, Glucose).
- Incorporating responsiveness to physical stimuli (temperature, light, magnetic fields).
- Analyzing hydrogel interaction with the wound microenvironment for controlled therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Peptide hydrogels enable precise control over drug release, cellular repair, and infection suppression.
- Adaptation to pathological conditions promotes efficient healing in chronic wounds.
- Expanded responsiveness broadens applicability in deep and complex wound treatments.
Conclusions:
- Responsive peptide hydrogels show significant promise for advanced wound management.
- Challenges in biocompatibility, biodegradability, and stimulus precision need further research.
- Future development will focus on multifunctional, personalized hydrogels for smarter, minimally invasive therapies.
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