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Smart Hydrogel Heals Wounds by Sensing pH, Switching from Antibacterial to Regenerative

Fudan University researchers create pH-responsive hydrogel that switches from antibacterial to tissue repair modes for infected wounds. Achieved 90% closure in 14 days in preclinical tests.

This development matters because it addresses critical limitations in current wound care, particularly for chronic and infected wounds that affect millions globally. Diabetic foot ulcers alone lead to approximately 73,000 lower-limb amputations annually in the U.S., with infection being a primary driver. Conventional wound dressings are passive—they either fight infection OR promote healing, requiring clinicians to manually switch treatments based on wound assessment. This hydrogel's ability to autonomously sense wound conditions and deliver stage-appropriate therapy could dramatically improve outcomes while reducing healthcare burdens. By minimizing drug overuse and dressing changes, it addresses antibiotic resistance concerns and improves patient comfort. For the 8.2% of the global population with diabetes who face elevated ulcer risks, and for surgical patients vulnerable to infections, this technology represents a potential paradigm shift toward intelligent, responsive medical materials that work with the body's natural healing processes rather than imposing static treatments.