A versatile and double cross-linked hydrogel with potent antibacterial and immunomodulatory Zn@Met nanocomplexes for enhanced diabetic-infected wound healing

Persistent infections, oxidative stress, and vascular damage in diabetic wounds require multifunctional dressings tailored to complex wound healing process. Herein, a coordination nanocomplexes of Zn@Met were synthesized by chelating Zn 2+ with metformin (Met). These coordination nanocomplexes were subsequently integrated into an injectable self-healing hydrogel comprising methacrylic anhydride-modified gelatin (GelMA) and oxidized konjac glucomannan (OKGM). Through free-radical polymerization as well as hydrogen and schiff base bonds formation, we fabricated an pH-responsive composite hydrogel, named GO@ZM, which exhibited remarkable antibacterial efficacy, antioxidant capabilities, and potent modulation of inflammatory responses. In the final stages of wound healing, the composite hydrogel significantly enhanced macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition, expediting the wound site’s re-epithelialization process. Collectively, this study introduces a pioneering hydrogel for the treatment of infected diabetic wounds and holds the potential to spark fresh perspectives on the development of high-performance hydrogels for diverse biomedical applications.