Dual functional photocatalytic hydrogel coupled with hydrogen evolution and glucose depletion for diabetic wound therapy

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus, are exacerbated by hyperglycemia-induced chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which collectively impede the wound-healing process. Effective management requires coordinated regulation of the pathological microenvironment through localized glucose reduction, anti-inflammatory modulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. This study developed an injectable functionalized hydrogel incorporating a Bi nanocrystal-decorated bismuth tungstate/hydrogen-doped titanium dioxide (Bi₂WO₆/H-TiO₂) heterojunction with dual photocatalytic properties: glucose degradation and hydrogen evolution. Upon exposure to light, the hydrogel exploits glucose in the wound as the sacrificial substrate to simultaneously decrease local glucose concentrations and facilitate in situ hydrogen production. The released hydrogen exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, synergizing with glucose consumption to inhibit cellular apoptosis and accelerate tissue repair. A systematic evaluation revealed enhanced cell proliferation and migration in hyperglycemic in vitro models. In vivo experiments using a diabetic murine model demonstrated 50 % wound closure within 3 days, accompanied by improved angiogenesis and collagen remodeling. This photocatalytic synergistic strategy represents a clinically promising modality for diabetic wound treatment by regulating the microenvironment and restoring redox homeostasis.