IIT Gandhinagar Creates Antibiotic‑Free Hydrogel to Speed Up Wound Healing

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar have designed an injectable, antibiotic‑free hydrogel that accelerates wound repair. The material uses a metal‑phenol network (MPN) incorporating a novel cerium‑rutin nanocomplex; cerium mimics antioxidant enzymes to scavenge reactive oxygen species, while rutin provides antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects. The multifunctional hydrogel aims to reduce infection risk and promote tissue regeneration for deep cuts and abrasions.

The study, authored by assistant professor Mukesh Dhanka and colleagues, was published in the journal ACS Applied Bio Materials. Dhanka emphasized that the new biomaterial addresses key challenges in modern wound care by delivering combined therapeutic functions beyond simple physical protection.