Multifunctional microgel stent accelerates wound healing

In the field of wound healing, hydrogels have garnered significant attention due to their outstanding biocompatibility and versatile functionality. However, most conventional hydrogels are pre-formed in fixed shapes, limiting their adaptability to complex wound environments. Moreover, the relatively dense structure of these hydrogels can impede cell growth, which, in turn, hinders the wound healing process. Therefore, there is a compelling need to develop a novel hydrogel capable of undergoing shape adjustments and facilitating cell growth, thereby facilitating dynamic wound closure. To address these challenges, we developed a microgel system, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-fibrin microgel scaffolds, composed of two-component microspheres made from GelMA and fibrinogen, which not only facilitates re-cross-linking between microspheres to enhance mechanical properties but also substantially enhances adhesion to the wound site. Gel formation occurs through secondary cross-linking of the microspheres in the presence of thrombin. Notably, GFMs exhibit excellent injectability and can be tailored into various shapes and sizes to suit the specific characteristics of wound. Moreover, the distinct gaps between the microspheres in the GFM structure allow cells to migrate and proliferate, effectively functioning as a “scaffold” for tissue regeneration. In vivo experiments on a mouse full-thickness skin defect model demonstrated the efficacy of this microgel scaffold in promoting cell migration and growth, significantly accelerating wound healing by about 10% compared to fibrin gel. Therefore, we propose that GFMs, as an innovative form of wound dressing, possess broad potential applications and offer substantial research value.