Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar have developed an antibiotic-free multifunctional injectable hydrogel designed to accelerate the healing of deep wounds, according to a July 27 announcement. Deep wounds are susceptible to bacterial infection and the buildup of reactive oxygen species, which can delay healing and increase complications.
The core innovation is a metal-phenolic network (MPN), an advanced biomaterial formed through interactions between metal ions and plant-derived polyphenols. The researchers created a novel MPN featuring a cerium–rutin nanocomplex. Cerium acts as an antioxidant enzyme mimic, scavenging excess reactive oxygen species, while rutin is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these components work synergistically to reduce cell damage and promote tissue repair.
The study was published in ACS Applied Bio Materials under the title 'Nanocomplex-Integrated Multifunctional Hydrogel for Fast-Tracked Wound Repair Application: A Preclinical Evaluation.' Prof Mukesh Dhanka, corresponding author and Assistant Professor at IITGN's Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, said, "As wound care continues to evolve, there is a growing need for biomaterials that do more than just serve as a protective covering for wounds. This work reflects how thoughtful material design can help overcome the key challenges that delay healing. We hope it inspires further advances in regenerative medicine and encourages the design of smarter therapeutic platforms."
Laboratory experiments and preclinical animal studies were conducted to assess safety and wound-healing potential. The hydrogel showed compatibility with blood and tissues—a critical requirement—and delivered therapeutic agents in a controlled manner when injected into wounds. This allowed continuous antioxidant and antibacterial activity, resulting in faster wound closure compared to untreated cases.
The hydrogel also features high swelling capacity, absorbing fluid up to ten times its own weight while maintaining moist but controlled conditions around the wound site. Shreyash Apotikar, first author of the study who completed his MTech at IITGN, said, "Healing is a complex biological process, and deep wounds rarely fail to heal because of a single factor; multiple biological challenges must be addressed simultaneously to support effective repair. This understanding guided us to design a material in which each component complements the others, creating a coordinated therapeutic response rather than relying on a single mechanism."
While further studies are needed before clinical application can begin, researchers say this patented technology could be used for both human and veterinary care in future large-animal studies or commercial development.
