All-in-one: Harnessing multifunctional injectable natural hydrogels for ordered therapy of bacteria-infected diabetic wounds

Abstract

Current treatments for diabetic wounds remain unsatisfactory in clinical practice due to the risk of bacterial infection, oxidative damage, and impaired angiogenesis during healing. Herein, we develop an “all-in-one” in situ injectable hydrogel (QOP) composed of polysaccharide matrix (quaternized chitosan and oxidized β-glucan) and polydopamine nanoparticles that can realize ordered treatment for diabetic wounds. First, a protective hydrogel barrier covering the wound is established by a simple local injection, achieving rapid hemostasis and neutralizing inflammatory cytokines. Subsequently, QOP has excellent near-infrared thermal conversion and reactive oxygen species scavenging capabilities, which will help eliminate bacteria and regulate the oxidation state, thus accelerating the phase transition of the wound from inflammation to proliferation. Beyond that, QOP possessing a three-dimensional network structure with building blocks derived from natural materials may serve as an ideal reservoir that provides mechanical and nutritional support to cells, thereby promoting cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and subsequent angiogenesis in tissue remodeling. Finally, the QOP dressing can be entirely absorbed by the organism after achieving desired functions. These in vitro and in vivo data show that QOP hydrogel can accelerate diabetic wound repair, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for healing diabetic wounds.