Author: Zhu hanbin 

Publisher: China Science Daily  

Date: November 7, 2024

Researchers led by Professor Wang Xiaoying from South China University of Technology and Professor Zhang Huantian from the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University have developed an innovative hydrogel ink designed for quick and personalized preparation of wound dressings for diabetic patients. Their findings were recently published in Advanced Functional Materials.

(Screenshot of the paper)

Study Overview

Diabetes can lead to persistent and hard-to-treat wounds due to complications such as poor blood circulation and decreased healing ability. Customizable 3D-printed biopolymer hydrogels are highly sought after for managing these wounds; however, their clinical application has been restricted due to weak physical crosslinking in the inks used for printing.

In this research, the team introduced a carboxymethyl chitosan-based hydrogel ink that features a dense, reversible physical crosslinking network. This network is created through a combination of electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and amide bonds, which serve as double hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, enhancing the structural integrity of the hydrogel.

Key Features of the Hydrogel Ink

1. Self-Supporting Properties: The hydrogel ink, despite containing low levels of nanoclay, exhibits impressive self-supporting capabilities, allowing for the creation of complex 3D structures without the need for additional supports.

2. Printability: The ink maintains its rheological properties even after processes like autoclave sterilization and the addition of active components, making it suitable for large-scale and detailed 3D printing.

3. Biodegradability and Mechanical Properties: The printed hydrogels demonstrate biodegradability, anti-swelling characteristics, and appropriate mechanical strength, crucial for wound application.

4. Antibacterial and Pro-Angiogenic Effects: The hydrogels show significant in vitro antibacterial and pro-angiogenic activities, which are essential for enhancing wound healing processes.

Implications for Diabetic Wound Healing

The study highlights a promising approach for creating advanced, personalized wound dressings that can be fabricated rapidly on-site, addressing the immediate needs of diabetic patients. Professor Wang Xiaoying emphasized that this work not only innovates biopolymer ink preparation but also provides a pathway for developing cutting-edge personalized treatments for wound care.

For further details, the paper can be accessed at Advanced Functional Materials (https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202414625).