Contraction-actuated thermo-responsive hydrogels accelerate wound healing via mechanosensitive proliferation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing Research

Background:

• Hydrogel dressings are crucial for wound care but often face challenges with exudate absorption and maintaining functionality.
• Existing hydrogels may compromise therapeutic efficacy due to uncontrolled expansion upon fluid absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel hydrogel wound dressing with dynamic contraction properties for improved wound healing.
• To investigate the mechanisms by which temperature-induced contraction influences wound repair processes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hydrogel wound dressing using blue light polymerization.
• In vivo testing on rat skin wounds to assess adhesion, contraction, and therapeutic effects.
• RNA sequencing to analyze molecular changes in contraction-mediated wound healing.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogel demonstrated effective adhesion to wounds and active contraction based on body temperature.
• Contraction led to reduced wound area, decreased inflammation, and improved healing quality.
• Promoted extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, collagen deposition, and vascular maturation.
• RNA sequencing identified molecular mechanisms underlying enhanced proliferative activity in contracted wounds.

Conclusions:

• The dynamic contraction property of the hydrogel dressing significantly enhances wound healing through mechanical regulation.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing advanced wound care technologies.
• Findings provide insights into mechanically regulated wound healing with potential for clinical applications.