Negatively Charged Carbon Dot‐Linked Glycyrrhizic Acid Hydrogel Promoted Hemostasis, Immunoregulation and Re‐Epithelialization of Wound Closure

Why It Matters

By overcoming the toxicity and mechanical limits of traditional GA hydrogels, CT@GA‑gel offers a multifunctional platform that could redefine chronic and diabetic wound management, a market poised for rapid growth.

Key Takeaways

• Negatively charged carbon dots enable low‑concentration GA crosslinking
• Hydrogel exhibits injectable, self‑healing, and adhesive properties
• ROS scavenging promotes immune regulation and faster re‑epithelialization
• Transcriptomics reveal upregulated hemostasis and extracellular matrix genes
• Potential to transform diabetic chronic wound treatment

Pulse Analysis

The integration of charred Trachyparcus‑derived carbon dots (CT‑CDs) with glycyrrhizic acid (GA) marks a notable departure from conventional wound‑dressing polymers. Traditional GA hydrogels require high polymer concentrations to achieve gelation, which often introduces cytotoxicity and limits mechanical resilience. By exploiting the intrinsic negative surface charge of CT‑CDs, researchers succeeded in crosslinking GA at concentrations as low as 0.5 %, dramatically reducing toxicity while preserving network formation. This low‑dose strategy not only simplifies formulation but also opens the door for injectable, on‑demand gel deployment in complex wound environments, making it suitable for bedside preparation.

Beyond its facile gelation, the CT@GA‑gel delivers a suite of therapeutic functions that address the multifaceted pathology of chronic wounds. The carbon‑dot network reinforces the hydrogel matrix, providing superior tensile strength and rapid tissue adhesion that accelerates hemostasis. Simultaneously, the ROS‑scavenging capability of CT‑CDs mitigates oxidative stress, steering macrophages toward a pro‑healing phenotype and fostering re‑epithelialization and hair‑follicle regeneration. Transcriptomic profiling confirmed up‑regulation of genes linked to coagulation, cell‑matrix interactions, and extracellular matrix deposition, underscoring a biologically active scaffold rather than a passive cover.

The clinical promise of CT@GA‑gel aligns with a growing market for advanced wound‑care solutions, projected to exceed $10 billion by 2028. Its injectable, self‑healing nature simplifies application on irregular or deep ulcers, while the low GA content eases regulatory scrutiny concerning biocompatibility. Ongoing pre‑clinical studies are evaluating long‑term degradation, scalability of carbon‑dot synthesis, and integration with smart monitoring platforms. If these hurdles are cleared, the technology could set a new benchmark for regenerative dressings, offering clinicians a multifunctional tool that simultaneously seals bleeding, modulates immunity, and drives tissue regeneration.