Diabetic ulcers, especially those on the feet, are notoriously difficult to heal due to impaired blood supply, nerve damage, and the constant risk of infection. Traditional treatments are often inadequate—so scientists are turning to a new solution: peptide-based hydrogels. They’re jelly-like materials that can potentially keep wounds moist, fight infection, and speed up the body’s own healing.
This review summarizes a decade of research on special hydrogels that are imbued with bioactive peptides (small proteins that can kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, or heal). Some of these hydrogels even react to parameters like temperature, pH, or light, and release drug only when needed.
- Researchers found that these smart hydrogels can:
- Speed up healing in diabetic wounds in animals
- Combat even antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA
- Stimulate new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)
- Reduce inflammation and scarring
Several peptides were used: some directly healed wounds, some formed the hydrogel structure itself, and some helped deliver medication. Most of these materials can be injected directly into a wound and shaped to conform to it, eliminating pain and improving the precision of treatment.
Still in the main testing stages, this promising technology could transform the healing of chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers—limb- and life-saving.
Full text: Ana Gomes, Paula Gomes, Peptides and peptidomimetics in the development of hydrogels towards the treatment of diabetic wounds, Current Research in Biotechnology, Volume 9, 2025, 100292, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbiot.2025.100292.