A research team from Fudan University has developed a hydrogel technology that responds to microenvironment changes in wounds, enabling precise, stage-specific treatment of infected injuries. The material senses pH changes and dynamically releases functional agents, switching from antibacterial action to tissue repair as healing progresses.
Constructed from an interpenetrating network of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl chitosan, the hydrogel is loaded with tannic acid and zinc-doped bioactive glass. During infection when wounds become acidic, the gel contracts and releases tannic acid to kill bacteria and reduce oxidative stress. As healing progresses and the environment becomes more alkaline, the gel expands and gradually releases zinc and calcium ions that promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.
Professor Xiangchao Meng, who led the research team, explains that this dual-function system adapts to each healing stage and actively assists the process. In preclinical rat models with infected wounds, the hydrogel achieved over 90% wound closure in just 14 days, significantly outperforming standard treatments. Histological analysis revealed enhanced collagen deposition, reduced inflammation, and improved blood vessel formation.
The technology represents a significant advancement in smart materials for medical applications. Unlike conventional wound dressings that provide passive protection, this hydrogel actively responds to pathological conditions while remaining inert in healthy tissue. This feature reduces drug overuse and limits the need for frequent dressing changes, making it particularly promising for treating complex wounds like diabetic foot ulcers or post-surgical infections.
The research findings, detailed in the journal Biomedical Technology, demonstrate how materials that can listen to the body and respond accordingly could redefine injury and disease treatment. The team is now exploring clinical translation and broader applications of this intelligent wound management approach. The original research is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmt.2025.100120.
This development has significant implications for healthcare systems worldwide, particularly as chronic wound management represents a growing challenge with aging populations and increasing diabetes prevalence. The ability to provide precise, stage-specific treatment could reduce healing times, decrease complications, and lower overall treatment costs. For business and technology leaders, this represents another example of how smart materials and responsive technologies are transforming traditional medical approaches, creating opportunities for innovation in healthcare delivery and medical device development.
