POS8-1513
Hyaluronic acid/polynucleotide double-network hydrogels for wound healing
Topic
S8. Frontiers of Functional Polymers in Biology and Medicine
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Jinkee HONG
Ki Su KIM
Presenter(s)
Kuen Yong Lee (Hanyang University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels are widely used in wound healing but often lack mechanical stability and active biological regulation. Polynucleotides (PN) promote angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, yet conventional PN therapies suffer from poor structural stability and rapid clearance. To address these limitations, we developed a double-network hydrogel by integrating PN into a network of oxidized HA and hydrazide-modified HA. We hypothesized that PN would act as both a structural reinforcer via intermolecular interactions and a sustained-release therapeutic. Hydrogels were formed via reversible hydrazone bonding. We evaluated their viscoelastic properties, quantified in vitro PN release, and assessed extrusion-based 3D printability and shape fidelity. Biological activity was tested in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) via proliferation assays and qPCR to measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen-related gene expression. In vivo therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using a full-thickness mouse wound model. PN incorporation significantly increased the storage modulus and structural stability compared to HA-only hydrogels. The dynamic hydrazone network imparted self-healing properties, enabling excellent 3D printability and shape fidelity. Furthermore, PN exhibited a sustained, burst-free release profile. In vitro, HA/PN hydrogels enhanced HDF proliferation and significantly upregulated VEGF and collagen gene expression. In vivo, the HA/PN patches accelerated wound closure, angiogenesis, and collagen remodeling significantly more than non-treated controls. HA/PN hydrogels offer a mechanically robust and highly bioactive platform for advanced wound healing. By utilizing PN simultaneously as a structural network component and a regenerative agent, this integrated approach overcomes the limitations of conventional HA hydrogels, delivering sustained therapeutic cues during tissue repair.
