Electroactive Hydrogel Enabling Feedback-Responsive Monitoring and Regulation of Inflammation for Chronic Wound Therapy

Hua Wei , Hongyu Zhao , Xiaohan Li , Jingcheng Hao

Aggregate ›› 2026, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (8) : e70405

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Aggregate ›› 2026, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (8) :e70405 DOI: 10.1002/agt2.70405
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Electroactive Hydrogel Enabling Feedback-Responsive Monitoring and Regulation of Inflammation for Chronic Wound Therapy
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Abstract

Chronic wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to persistent inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, and impaired tissue regeneration. Herein, we developed a multifunctional hydrogel dressing (GX/ML) by integrating a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive dynamic borate ester cross-linking network with electrocatalytic MXene nanosheets and anti-inflammatory luteolin. The hydrogel enables real-time monitoring of wound inflammation through electrochemical sensing of H2O2 levels, while on-demand drug release is triggered by either high ROS or near-infrared irradiation. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrated exceptional ROS-scavenging capability, efficient antibacterial activity (>96% against S. aureus and E. coli), and promotion of macrophage polarization toward the pro-healing M2 phenotype. In a diabetic mouse wound model, the GX/ML hydrogel accelerated wound closure (98.1% healing rate by day 19), enhanced angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization, and modulated immune responses via cytokine signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB and NOD-like receptor pathways). Transcriptomic analysis confirmed regulation of genes related to immune inflammation and tissue remodeling. This work provides a synergistic strategy through a smart hydrogel platform that integrates real-time inflammatory monitoring with condition-triggered drug release, offering a feedback-responsive approach for chronic wound management.

Keywords

anti-inflammatory / bio-electroactive hydrogel / chronic wound treatment / inflammation monitoring / ROS response

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Hua Wei, Hongyu Zhao, Xiaohan Li, Jingcheng Hao. Electroactive Hydrogel Enabling Feedback-Responsive Monitoring and Regulation of Inflammation for Chronic Wound Therapy. Aggregate, 2026, 7 (8) : e70405 DOI:10.1002/agt2.70405

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