The Role of Methacrylated Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels in Promoting Skin Wound Healing

The study investigated the effects of hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) hydrogels on skin wound healing using a mouse model with 12 subjects. Results showed that wounds treated with HAMA hydrogels healed significantly faster than those in the control group, with complete healing by day 14. The HAMA group exhibited a higher proportion of fibroblasts expressing type III collagen and increased levels of anti-inflammatory macrophages expressing Arg1 and CD206, while showing decreased expression of pro-inflammatory markers Nos2 and CD86. These findings suggest that HAMA hydrogels enhance wound healing by promoting a favorable microenvironment with more anti-inflammatory macrophages and fibroblasts that secrete type III collagen.