A Tailored Hydrogel With Local Glycemia Management, Antioxidant Activity, and Photothermal Antibacterial Properties for Diabetic Wound Healing

The management of chronic diabetic wounds is a complex challenge requiring local glycemic regulation, modulation of inflammation levels, and prevention of bacterial infections. Therefore, a multifunctional wound dressing with antioxidant, local glycocontrol, and antibacterial properties is developed to promote diabetic wound healing. This dressing is constructed by co-loading gold-cerium oxide (AuCeO₂) dumbbells and glucose oxidase (GOx) into a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive hydrogel matrix (ACG gels). In this system, Au-CeO₂ dumbbells effectively eliminate ROS, protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced damage while exhibiting significant near-infrared photothermal antibacterial activity. Additionally, the controlled release of GOx decreases blood glucose levels in the wound microenvironment, alleviating oxidative stress and inhibiting bacterial growth proliferation, thereby expediting the healing process. ACG gels demonstrated excellent wound healing-promoting properties in two in vivo wound models, providing a promising and effective platform for diabetic wound management.