Injectable hydrogel to improve healing of chronic wounds
Official title: MMP-deactivating injectable hydrogel for chronic wounds
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-10672433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special gel that can be injected into chronic wounds, like those caused by diabetes, to help them heal better by targeting harmful proteins, so if you have a slow-healing wound, this treatment might make a big difference for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $238,520 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB032134-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10672433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic wounds, particularly those related to diabetes or other conditions that impair healing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute wounds or those not suffering from chronic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an injectable hydrogel designed to enhance the healing process of chronic wounds, particularly those affected by conditions like diabetes. The hydrogel works by deactivating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are known to impede healing. By using melanin nanoparticles within the hydrogel, the treatment aims to target MMPs directly at the wound site, minimizing systemic side effects that can occur with traditional therapies. Patients receiving this treatment may experience improved wound healing and reduced risk of complications such as infections or amputations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and safer treatment option for patients with chronic wounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using localized MMP inhibitors for wound healing, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeong, Kyung Jae — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Jeong, Kyung Jae
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.