The synergetic effect of alginate-derived hydrogels and metal-phenolic nanospheres for chronic wound therapy

J Mater Chem B. 2024 Mar 6;12(10):2571-2586. doi: 10.1039/d3tb02685j.

Abstract

Management of diabetic wounds presents a global health challenge due to elevated levels of ROS in the wound microenvironment, persistent dysregulation of inflammation modulation, and limitations in commercially available dressings. Addressing this issue, we have developed a pH-responsive and glucose-sensitive multifunctional hydrogel dressing that dynamically responds to the wound microenvironment and enables on-demand drug release. The dressing incorporates a matrix material based on aminophenylboronic acid-functionalized alginate and a polyhydroxy polymer, alongside an enhancer phase consisting of self-assembled metal-phenol coordination nanospheres formed by tannic acid and iron ions. Using the dynamic borate ester bonds and catechol-metal ion coordination bonds, the dressing exhibits remarkable shape adaptability, self-healing capability, tissue adhesiveness, antioxidant activity, and photothermal responsiveness, without additional curatives or crosslinking agents. As a wound dressing, it elicits macrophage polarization towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype while maintaining long-lasting antimicrobial effects. In a diabetic mouse model of full-thickness wound infections, it effectively mitigated inflammation and vascular damage, significantly expediting the wound healing process with a commendable 97.7% wound closure rate. This work provides a new direction for developing multifunctional smart hydrogel dressings that can accelerate diabetic wound healing for human health.

MeSH terms

  • Alginates
  • Animals
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology
  • Inflammation
  • Metals
  • Mice
  • Nanospheres*
  • Phenols
  • Polyphenols*

Substances

  • Tannic Acid
  • Phenols
  • Metals
  • Alginates
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyphenols