MXene-integrated hydrogel with photothermal effects promotes diabetic wound healing via angiogenesis and infection control

Diabetic chronic wounds present a significant clinical challenge due to their complex pathophysiology, which includes impaired healing, persistent infections, and uncontrolled oxidative stress. To counter these challenges, we engineered a multifunctional hydrogel (denoted as PQM) composed of polyacrylamide (PAM), quaternary chitosan (QCS), and Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene (abbreviated as MXene) nanosheets synthesized via radical polymerization. This resulting MXene-reinforced hydrogel features a porous architecture that confers superior swelling capacity, controlled degradation, robust mechanical strength, and injectable self-healing properties. The incorporation of MXenes provides notable antioxidant capabilities, a photothermal response to near-infrared light, and extensive antibacterial effects against E. coli , S. aureus , and methicillin-resistant S. aureus . In vitro analyses have demonstrated the hydrogel’s biocompatibility and capacity to enhance fibroblast migration, endothelial cell angiogenesis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. In diabetic murine models, the use of a PQM hydrogel with NIR irradiation sped up wound healing by 78.8% in six days, improved collagen deposition, and shifted macrophage polarization to an anti-inflammatory profile. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations demonstrated enhanced re-epithelialization, neovascularization (CD31 + ), and proliferative activity (Ki67 + ). By facilitating rapid hemostasis, suppressing infection, and promoting tissue regeneration, the PQM hydrogel offers a comprehensive and clinically translatable strategy for managing the multifactorial impairments that hinder diabetic wound healing