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 represents a significant advancement in wound care by dynamically adapting its therapeutic function based on the wound's healing phase.
The hydrogel, constructed from an interpenetrating network of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl chitosan, contains two key bioactive components: tannic acid for antibacterial action and zinc-doped bioactive glass for tissue regeneration. According to Prof. Xiangchao Meng, who led the research, the material senses pH changes in the wound environment and automatically switches its therapeutic behavior. "In an acidic wound environment, which is typical during infection, the gel contracts and releases tannic acid to kill bacteria and reduce oxidative stress," explains Meng. "As healing progresses and the pH becomes more alkaline, the gel expands and gradually releases zinc and calcium ions that promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration."
This technology addresses a critical challenge in wound management: the need for different treatments during infection versus healing phases. Traditional wound dressings typically provide either antibacterial properties or tissue regeneration support, but not both in a controlled, sequential manner. The hydrogel's ability to respond to microenvironmental cues allows it to provide appropriate treatment at each stage without requiring manual intervention or dressing changes.
In preclinical testing using rat models with infected wounds, the hydrogel demonstrated remarkable effectiveness. The material 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 in treated wounds. Importantly, the gel remains inert in healthy tissue and activates only under pathological conditions, reducing drug overuse and limiting the need for frequent dressing changes.
The implications of this technology are particularly significant for treating complex wounds that often resist conventional therapies. Diabetic foot ulcers, which affect millions worldwide and frequently lead to amputations, represent one potential application where this smart hydrogel could dramatically improve outcomes. Post-surgical infections, burns, and other chronic wounds could also benefit from this targeted, responsive treatment approach.
The research, detailed in the journal Biomedical Technology with DOI 10.1016/j.bmt.2025.100120, represents what Meng describes as "a step toward intelligent wound management." The team is now exploring clinical translation and broader applications of the technology. "Materials that can listen to the body and respond accordingly could redefine how we treat injury and disease," adds Meng, highlighting the potential for this approach to transform wound care protocols.
This development comes at a time when antimicrobial resistance and chronic wound management present growing challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. By providing precise, stage-appropriate treatment without contributing to antibiotic overuse, the hydrogel addresses multiple concerns simultaneously. The technology's ability to reduce dressing change frequency could also lower healthcare costs and improve patient comfort during recovery.
The research was supported by multiple funding sources including the Youth Program of Minhang Hospital, Shanghai Minhang District Medical Specialty Construction Project, Natural science research projects of Minhang District, and Zhejiang Provincial Medicine and Health Technology Project. As smart materials continue to enter the medical field, this hydrogel technology demonstrates how responsive materials can bridge the gap between passive wound coverings and active therapeutic interventions.
