Extreme‐Environment Adaptive Hydrogel with Vagus Nerve Modulation for Diabetic Wound Healing and Emotion Management

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Authors: Yue Hou, Xiaochuan Guo, Xinyi Wang, Yuanfeng Wang, Wei Zhang, Jinhui Ran, Dejia Xu, Yong Zhang, Yanan Jiang, Feng Lin, Xiangrong Chang, Xiong Lu
+1 more Chaoming Xie
Cited by: 1
References: 40

Abstract

Chronic diabetic wounds, characterized by persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation, present a significant healing challenge. While traditional hydrogels aid tissue repair, their functionality is often compromised at low temperatures. Herein, we report a polyphenol-mediated conductive hydrogel that remains stable and functional at -80°C. Engineered from casein, dopamine-modified poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), and a synergistic antifreeze system (dopamine, gluten, glycerol), the hydrogel maintains its conductivity, bioactivity, and therapeutic efficacy after freezing. The hydrogel functions both as a therapeutic dressing and a bioelectronic interface. When coupled with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), the hydrogel synergistically accelerates full-thickness wound healing by regulating inflammation, scavenging ROS, promoting macrophage M2 polarization, and enhancing angiogenesis. Its remarkable cryo-stability is attributed to polyphenol-mediated water confinement and cryoprotective gluten micelles. Concurrently, the hydrogel facilitates real-time ECG, EMG, and EEG monitoring and enables VNS-driven modulation of EEG-α waves to alleviate depressive-like behavior. This integrated system presents a novel therapeutic paradigm for managing both the physiological and psychological complications of diabetes, even under extreme environmental conditions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Wound Healing and Treatments Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Small
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
22
Issue
19
Pages
e12099–e12099
Publication date
31 January 2026
Language
EN