Polyphenol-Enhanced Extreme-Environment Adaptive Hydrogels for High-Altitude Burn Wound Repair

Abstract

High-altitude environments, characterized by low temperatures, hypoxia, low atmospheric pressure, and intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly increase the mortality rate among burn patients. Current wound dressings are inadequate to address the multifaceted challenges posed by these extreme conditions. In this study, we developed an antifreeze, adhesive, UVresistant and oxygen-releasing hydrogel based on gallic acid mediated gelatin/amylopectin and ZIF-8 encapsulated calcium peroxide. The phenolic hydroxyl group of gallic acid in hydrogel network enhanced the antifreeze, adhesive and UV-resistant properties of the hydrogel, which meets the demand of serving in the extreme environment of high-altitude. In addition, its reduced phenolic hydroxyl group conferred the hydrogel with good antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activity. ZIF-8 encapsulated calcium peroxide nanoparticles not only exhibit antibacterial activity, but also slowly and continuously release oxygen, alleviating hypoxia in wounds, inducing macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype, promoting vascular and nerve regeneration, and accelerating wound healing. This hydrogel represents a significant advancement in burn wound treatment for high-altitude environments, offering a novel approach to improving clinical outcomes under extreme conditions.