Microenvironment-feedback hydrogel enables precise staged repair of infected wounds

Smart materials are entering the wound care field — and they're learning to respond like doctors. A research team at Fudan University, led by Prof. Xiangchao Meng, has developed a hydrogel that can sense changes in wound pH and automatically switches its therapeutic behavior from fighting infection to promoting tissue repair.

The hydrogel is made from sodium alginate and carboxymethyl chitosan, forming an interpenetrating network that encapsulates two key bioactive components: tannic acid, a natural antibacterial agent, and zinc-doped bioactive glass, which releases ions known to support healing. “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.”

The research team aimed to design a material that does not just cover the wound, but also understands what is happening and responds in real-time. “This dual-function system adapts to each healing stage and actively assists the process,” says Meng. “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. Notably, the gel remains inert in healthy tissue and activates only under pathological conditions, reducing drug overuse and limiting the need for frequent dressing changes. This feature makes it especially promising for treating complex wounds like diabetic foot ulcers or post-surgical infections.

The team is now exploring clinical translation and broader applications. “This is a step toward intelligent wound management,” adds Meng. “Materials that can listen to the body and respond accordingly could redefine how we treat injury and disease.”

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Contact the author: Xiangchao Meng, Department of Orthopedics, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, mengxiangchao@alumni.sjtu.edu.cn

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