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Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications
Published on: April 13, 2022
Multi-modular responsive hydroxypropyl chitosan-based hydrogel microspheres for stage-specific therapy in infected
Wenhao Liu1, Xinyi Li1, Chunsheng Pang1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Papermaking and Paper-based Materials, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|July 23, 2026
Summary
New hydrogel microspheres offer adaptive wound healing by releasing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. This dual-action system effectively clears infections and reduces inflammation for improved wound repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Wound Healing Research
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Delayed wound healing in infected wounds stems from imbalanced bacterial clearance and inflammation.
- Conventional dressings lack the dynamic adaptability and regulatory capacity for complex wound environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop core-shell hydrogel microspheres (HEA@AgM) for stage-specific, adaptive wound healing.
- To integrate glutathione-responsive antibacterial properties with ROS-responsive anti-inflammatory release.
- To create a biodegradable dressing with microscale shape adaptability.
Main Methods:
- Hydroxypropyl chitosan-based core-shell hydrogel microspheres (HEA@AgM) synthesized via droplet microfluidics and electrostatic self-assembly.
- Incorporation of a glutathione-responsive antibacterial shell and an ROS-responsive epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-loaded core.
- In situ degradation triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) for reduced dressing removal trauma.
Main Results:
- HEA@AgM demonstrated rapid antibacterial activity (99.6% S. aureus, 99.8% E. coli) and significant biofilm clearance (94.1% S. aureus).
- Sustained antioxidant regulation (87.9% DPPH scavenging) translated to anti-inflammatory efficacy.
- In a full-thickness MRSA-infected wound model, HEA@AgM reduced bacterial burden, suppressed inflammation, promoted tissue repair, and enhanced healing (70.9% residual area by Day 7).
Conclusions:
- The developed HEA@AgM system offers multifunctional, environment-adaptive wound healing.
- This technology provides a promising strategy for in situ biodegradable dressings and advanced wound management.
- Stage-specific therapy through microscale spatial compartmentalization achieves synergistic infection control and immunomodulation.
