An injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with antimicrobial peptide PP4-3.1 promotes cell growth while fighting infection in chronic wounds.
Dual function: heal + protectSingle hydrogel material promotes cell growth while delivering antimicrobial peptide to fight wound infection
What the researchers found
AcHyA hydrogels functionalized with gelatin and antimicrobial peptide PP4-3.1 formed stable in situ gels that enhanced cellular responses while providing antimicrobial activity for chronic wounds.
Why it matters
Chronic wound infections are a major healthcare burden. A single material that both promotes healing and prevents infection could simplify wound care and improve outcomes.
The numbers in context
0.5% gelatin identified as optimal. Rapid gelation, elastic behavior, uniform mesh size. Supported fibroblast and endothelial cell adhesion and spreading. AMP PP4-3.1 provided antimicrobial activity.
How the study worked
Biomaterials study developing and characterizing AcHyA-gelatin and AcHyA-AMP hydrogels via thiol-acrylate crosslinking, assessing mechanical properties, cell compatibility, and antimicrobial activity.
Who was studied
Not applicable (biomaterials)
What this study cannot tell us
In vitro characterization study. Wound healing efficacy in animal models or clinical settings has not been tested.
How to read the evidence
Biomaterials development study with in vitro testing. Clinical wound healing efficacy remains to be demonstrated.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, contributing to the active field of bioactive wound care materials.
The bigger picture
Combining bioactive hydrogels with antimicrobial peptides represents a growing trend in wound care materials that deliver multiple therapeutic functions simultaneously.
Questions still open
- How long does the antimicrobial peptide remain active within the hydrogel?
- Would this hydrogel be effective against biofilm-forming bacteria common in chronic wounds?
Common questions
What makes this wound dressing different?
What is PP4-3.1?
Read the original research
Development of a bioactive hyaluronic acid hydrogel functionalised with antimicrobial peptides for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Biomaterials science, 13(13), 3561-3575
Citation
Petit, Noémie; Gomes, Ana; Chang, Yu-Yin Joanne; Da Silva, Jessica; Leal, Ermelindo C; Carvalho, Eugénia; Gomes, Paula; Browne, Shane. (2025). Development of a bioactive hyaluronic acid hydrogel functionalised with antimicrobial peptides for the treatment of chronic wounds.. Biomaterials science, 13(13), 3561-3575. https://doi.org/10.1039/d5bm00567a