Programmable Viscoelastic Hydrogels Exhibit Antimicrobial and Regenerative Properties to Promote Cell Migration, Wound Healing, and Tissue Remodeling
April 2026
in “
Microsystems & Nanoengineering
”
HA-gel-dex hydrogels viscoelastic hydrogels extracellular matrix ECM synthetic dextran cell-matrix interactions cell proliferation cell differentiation cytocompatibility biofilm inhibition antimicrobials wound healing hair follicle regeneration mesenchymal stem cells wound dressings antibiotic treatment scaffolds ECM bio-inks 3D cell culture tissue repair hydrogels stem cells antibiotics bio-inks
TLDR HA-gel-dex hydrogels help heal wounds and regenerate tissue effectively.
The study introduces HA-gel-dex hydrogels, which are engineered by double-crosslinking ECM components with synthetic dextran, offering programmable viscoelastic properties that mimic native ECM characteristics. These hydrogels enhance cell-matrix interactions, promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, and exhibit significant stress-relaxing and self-healing properties. They demonstrate cytocompatibility, increased cell viability, and biofilm inhibition, with synergistic effects when combined with antimicrobials. In BALB/c mice, these hydrogels significantly improved wound healing, hair follicle regeneration, and ECM production, especially when combined with mesenchymal stem cells. HA-gel-dex hydrogels show promise as wound dressings and antibiotic treatment scaffolds, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional ECM bio-inks for 3D cell culture and tissue repair.
