Highlights

  • Derived from silica photonic crystals, inverse opal microspheres have a regularly connected porous structure and inherit structural color properties.

  • Combined with the stable scaffold and the photothermal phase-transition of the secondary filling material, the inverse opal composite microspheres are endowed with self-healing properties and the ability for controllable drug release.

  • Inverse opal microspheres were significantly treated for diabetic wound, via promoting tissue regeneration, collagen deposition and angiogenesis. Meanwhile, the release of drugs could be monitored by the structural color characteristic.

Color-changing, self-healing hydrogel microparticles: A smart solution for advanced wound care

Chronic diabetic wounds are prevalent in patients and are difficult to heal, presenting a significant medical challenge. The development of multifunctional hydrogel dressings with a well-designed morphology and structure can enhance their flexibility and effectiveness in wound management.

https://phys.org/news/2024-09-hydrogel-microparticles-smart-solution-advanced.html