Glucose-Responsive PEGDA-GelMA-MPBA Hydrogel Loaded with Exosomes Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetic wound healing is frequently impaired by microcirculatory deficiencies and a proinflammatory microenvironment under conditions of persistent hyperglycemia. This study presents a smart multifunctional hydrogel dressing based on a ternary-network system of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), and 3-methacrylamidophenylboronic acid (MPBA) for sustained delivery of exosomes. The resulting PEGDA-GelMA-MPBA@Exos (P-G-M@Exos) hydrogel exhibits high hydrophilicity, tunable mechanical strength, potent antibacterial activity, and favorable biocompatibility. A key innovation of this system is its glucose-mediated exosome release through dynamic boronate ester bonds, enabling on demand delivery of bioactive molecules in response to hyperglycemic conditions. In vivo, the hydrogel significantly enhanced M2 macrophage polarization, mitigated excessive inflammation, and promoted functional angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF. These coordinated action ultimately facilitated rapid wound closure, enhanced collagen remodeling, and promoted re-epithelialization. Our study offers a promising therapeutic platform for intelligent wound management, demonstrating strong translational potential for diabetic wound care.