3D printing MOF nanozyme hydrogel with dual enzymatic activities and visualized glucose monitoring for diabetic wound healing

Chemical Engineering Journal 2023 Volume 471, Article 144649

Promoting rapid healing of diabetic wounds caused by hyperglycemia, bacterial infection, and chronic inflammation is a global challenge. To address this issue, we design and prepare a novel cerium-based MOF nanozyme hydrogel via 3D printing technology to provide a personalized hydrogel wound dressing. The hydrogel is unique in that cerium-based MOFs are grown into the hydrogel network, simplifying the printing process of MOF hydrogel. The prepared hydrogel exhibits specific catalytic activity to various oxygen free radicals and glucose concentration-dependent color changes due to the interconversion between different valence cerium ions. This feature allows for indirect monitoring of glucose content around the wound. Additionally, the hydrogel presented high antibacterial properties and biocompatibility. In animal experiments, diabetic wounds in rats with a size of 1 cm2 fully healed within 21 days due to the synergistic effect of the anti-inflammatory and hyperglycemia capabilities of the cerium-based MOF nanozyme hydrogel. The results suggest that this novel hydrogel will revolutionize traditional treatment methods in diabetic wounds and provide an efficient, rapid, personalized treatment program.