A team of researchers and clinicians led by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering, Chair Professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Member of Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), has developed an acid-resistant hydrogel known as “ultrastable mucus-inspired hydrogel” (UMIH). This research has recently been published in Cell Press journal Cell Reports Physical Science.
In laboratory tests under acidic conditions (pH2), UMIH demonstrated adhesive abilities 15 times stronger than aluminium phosphate gel (APG), a clinically approved mucosal protectant and antacid used in the management of gastric ulcers and acid reflux. While APG degraded completely after three days, UMIH retained 50% of its structural integrity after seven days in acidic conditions. UMIH was not associated with any toxicity issues in laboratory-grown gastrointestinal cells. It also inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria, indicating its antimicrobial potential.
In pig and rat models of oesophageal injury, UMIH adhered firmly to wounds and improved healing compared to control animals and those treated with APG. UMIH was associated with reduced tissue damage and inflammation, and it promoted the growth of new blood vessels, which is essential for healing.
This research was supported by funding from the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen, and the Shenzhen Medical Research Fund.
Online coverage:
Medical Xpress - https://polyu.me/4g4ZI6A
EurekAlert - https://polyu.me/4gbGcWj
Mirage News - https://polyu.me/4gcqzOf
| Research Units | Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems | Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology |
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