Due to the lack of ideal wound dressings that can integrate matching mechanical strength, rapid self-healing, convenient dressing change, and multiple treatment effects into one system, the current treatment of chronic diabetes wounds is still not satisfactory. Here, inspired by the therapeutic effects of catechol groups and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, a derivative of green tea), Cheng Yilong and Li Ang of Xi’an Jiaotong University combined EGCG with 3-acrylamidobenzene The complex formed by boric acid (APBA) (to form a borate bond) is copolymerized with acrylamide to easily prepare a smart hydrogel dressing.








Key points of this article:

1) The obtained hydrogel has sufficient mechanical properties, self-healing ability and tissue adhesion.



2) In addition, the massive release of EGCG can not only achieve the effects of antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and angiogenesis, but also regulate the polarization of macrophages to accelerate wound healing, and it is also convenient for dressing change.







In summary, this advanced hydrogel provides a simple and effective method for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds, and may be promoted to the treatment of other complex wounds.

references:

Xiaodan Zhao, et al. Green Tea Derivative Driven Smart Hydrogels with Desired Functions for Chronic Diabetic Wound Treatment. Adv. Funct. Mater., 2021.

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202009442

https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202009442