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Time-ordered crosslinked hydrogel for full-cycle therapy of chronic wounds
Yayun Yang1, Zhihao Zhou1, Yuhang Zhu2
1College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311402, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Biomedical Materials, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325011, China.
Biomaterials Advances
|March 14, 2026
Summary
This study developed a smart hydrogel dressing that releases zinc and quercetin in stages to manage diabetic chronic wounds. The dressing prevents infection, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing by regulating the entire wound healing process.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Diabetic wound healing is complicated by infection and inflammation.
- Existing dressings lack comprehensive, multi-stage wound management capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a dual-crosslinked hydrogel (Que@HZ) for staged release of zinc (Zn 2+ ) and quercetin.
- To create a smart dressing for full-cycle regulation of chronic wound healing in diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Stepwise fabrication of a dual-crosslinked hydrogel incorporating quercetin-loaded nanoparticles (Que NPs) and Zn 2+ .
- In vitro assessment of staged release, antibacterial efficacy, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- In vivo evaluation in diabetic rats with chronic wounds, including RNA-sequencing analysis.
Main Results:
- The Que@HZ hydrogel demonstrated sustained antibacterial activity (>95% against S. aureus for 7 days) and pH-responsive release of quercetin.
- In vivo studies showed infection elimination, reduced inflammation, and enhanced angiogenesis and collagen deposition.
- RNA-sequencing revealed modulation of the IL-17 pathway contributing to improved healing.
Conclusions:
- Que@HZ hydrogel acts as a multifunctional smart dressing for chronic wound management.
- The staged release mechanism effectively addresses infection, inflammation, and promotes tissue regeneration.
- This advanced hydrogel offers a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic chronic wounds.
