Chronic wounds continue to pose significant challenges in healthcare, particularly for individuals with diabetes who are prone to delayed healing, ongoing inflammation, and increased infection risk. Researchers at Hanyang University in Korea announced on June 26 the development of an artificial intelligence-guided microneedle patch that changes shape at body temperature to help close wounds while delivering regenerative therapy and antibacterial protection.
The research team, led by Associate Professor Hyun-Do Jung, combined artificial intelligence, 4D printing, biomimicry, DNA nanotechnology, and surface engineering into a single wound-healing platform. The study was inspired by Drosera capensis—a carnivorous plant known for its coordinated movement and adhesion—and aimed to create a shape-memory microneedle system capable of bending after placement in tissue. The findings were published online on March 30 in the journal Advanced Materials.
According to the researchers, machine-learning models were used to predict and optimize the shape-recovery behavior of printed materials. This approach reduced trial-and-error experimentation by analyzing how material composition and manufacturing conditions influenced performance. Gaussian Process Regression provided the most accurate predictions among evaluated machine-learning methods.
"This study goes beyond conventional biomimicry by using artificial intelligence to translate nature-inspired principles into a functional biomedical device. The key point of this research is not only that it is inspired by nature, but that AI helps convert biological inspiration into a predictable, programmable, and clinically relevant wound-healing technology," said Dr. Jung.
Laboratory tests showed that the microneedles quickly recovered their programmed curved shape at physiological temperature (37°C), assisting with wound closure and maintaining stable tissue contact. The platform also included adhesive DNA nanoparticles for tissue regeneration support and a zinc-treated surface for antibacterial protection. Tests demonstrated sustained DNA release as well as strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
"Beyond wound healing, the AI-guided 4D-printing strategy could also be extended to soft biomedical robots or tissue-interfacing devices that require programmable motion, controlled shape transformation, and stable contact with biological tissues," said Dr. Jung. Further research will be needed before clinical use; however, researchers suggest this technology could eventually lead to smart patches or implants responsive to bodily environments.
