Hydrogel Treatment Represents New Hope For Injuries

For serious injuries, surviving is only half the battle. The healing process can be fraught with risks and setbacks; even minor injuries can scar, causing skin to be painful, itchy, and tight. How well-oxygenated the wound is can be a big factor in healing. If oxygen does not reach the injured tissue in time, the healing process will be delayed, scarring will increase, and there is an increased risk of infection. But hope is on the horizon. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign bioengineering Ph.D candidate Xiaoxue Han is developing a new technology that can improve the healing of major or minor wounds and reduce scarring. This groundbreaking work is made possible by the McGinnis Medical Innovation Graduate Fellowship, funded by a generous gift from the late Illinois alumnus Jerry McGinnis. 

The core of this technology is a substance called a hydrogel, which can be applied directly on wounds or to bandages. This hydrogel is filled with microscopic oxygen bubbles, approximately 225 nanometers in diameter. When the hydrogel is applied, the bubbles deliver oxygen that can penetrate the wound to heal faster. Oxygenation of the injured site is crucial to the healing process. Oxygen, in addition to facilitating faster healing, reduces scarring and forms new blood vessels. “I was inspired to start this research because I saw that many people have trouble with wounds not healing properly, especially after surgery,” said Han. 

The potential benefits go beyond an accelerated healing process for those with diabetes. Diabetics and those with similar conditions can be acutely affected by hypoxia, due to a lack of blood flow. Hydrogel-embedded oxygen bubbles could be a potential mitigation strategy to reduce the severity of common diabetic side effects such as foot ulcers. “I wanted to find a way to help the wounds of this nature heal better and faster,” said Han, “so people can feel better and lead a normal life.”

There are even more potential applications for this technology. Chronic wounds, burns, and even corneal diseases are some of the other potential areas where a boost of oxygen could be helpful.

Han is not alone in conducting this research. Along with her advisor, bioengineering professor Joseph Irudayaraj, Han collaborated with professor Randy Ewoldt in mechanical engineering and is currently working with Dr. Georgina Cheng from the Carle Foundation Hospital for preclinical testing and to explore opportunities of translation to treat surgical wounds.

Though the technology is promising, there is still a long way to go. Any medical product undergoes rigorous testing and evaluation, both internally and from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to ensure safety and effectiveness. “We are currently testing and refining our hydrogel to assess its efficacy in surgical scars using large animal models,” said Han. “We hope to start testing it on real patients upon obtaining clearance from the FDA. Our aim is to have it available for everyone in a couple of years.”

Beyond the science, what excites Han the most about this research is its potential real-world impact. “This project has the potential to change how we treat wounds and improve the quality of life for millions of people. It's a combination of cutting-edge science and a real desire to help people heal better and faster.”