2. Academic Validation
  3. Starfish-Inspired Synergistic Reinforced Hydrogel Wound Dressing: Dual Responsiveness and Enhanced Bioactive Compound Delivery for Advanced Skin Regeneration and Management

Starfish-Inspired Synergistic Reinforced Hydrogel Wound Dressing: Dual Responsiveness and Enhanced Bioactive Compound Delivery for Advanced Skin Regeneration and Management

  • ACS Nano. 2025 Mar 18;19(10):10180-10198. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.4c17291.
Gonghua Hong 1 2,  Jiawen Li 1 2,  Wenqi Wei 1 2,  Yue Wu 1 2,  Lei Li 3,  Yubao Chen 4,  Delong Xie 5,  Qing Qu 6,  Orlando J Rojas 7 8 9,  Guangzhi Hu 10,  Yifei Li 1 2,  Junling Guo 1 2 7 11
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
  • 2 BMI Center for Biomass Materials and Nanointerfaces, National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
  • 3 State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
  • 4 School of Energy and Environmental Science, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China.
  • 5 The International Joint Laboratory for Sustainable Polymers of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650093, China.
  • 6 School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
  • 7 Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, V6T 1Z3; Department of Chemistry, BC V6T 1Z1; Department of Wood Science, Bioproduct Institute, The University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 Vancouver, Canada.
  • 8 Department of Chemistry and Department of Wood Science, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
  • 9 Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Vuorimiehentie 1, Espoo FI-00076, Finland.
  • 10 Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.
  • 11 State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610065, China.
PMID: 40048360 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c17291
Abstract

Effective wound management demands advanced dressings that protect while actively supporting healing. Traditional wound dressings often fall short of meeting the complex needs of skin repair. Inspired by the regenerative abilities of starfish, we developed a bionically engineered hydrogel designed to enhance wound healing. The hydrogel is synthesized through the coassembly of dopamine-modified cellulose nanofibers, chitosan, (3-aminobenzeneboronic acid)-grafted oxidized dextran, and poly(vinyl alcohol), utilizing dynamic Schiff base and boronic ester linkages. This innovative design imparts multifunctional properties, including injectability, 3D printability, Antibacterial activity, self-adhesion, self-healing, antioxidant protection, and hemostasis, which emulate the defense mechanisms and regenerative processes of starfish. These characteristics work synergistically to reduce Infection and oxidative stress and improve healing efficiency. Additionally, the hydrogel incorporates mangiferin and Vitamin C, which are released in a controlled manner in response to the wound's microenvironment (pH and Reactive Oxygen Species), promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. In vitro tests confirmed its dual responsiveness, while finite element modeling validated the controlled release of bioactive compounds. In vivo testing on a rat full-thickness wound model showed a 100% healing rate by day 13, significantly outperforming commercial alternatives. The hydrogel's nontoxicity and advanced healing capabilities make it a promising solution for patients with critical healing needs, offering a comprehensive integration of natural biological processes and cutting-edge engineering.

Keywords

dual-stimulation release system; improved tissue regeneration; smart hydrogel dressing; starfish-mimic strategy; wound management.

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