Two separate research teams have published findings on new wound-healing technologies, each using different approaches to treat acute and chronic wounds. The projects, based at Hanyang University in South Korea and the University of Mississippi in the United States, are in the preclinical or development stage.
AI-Guided Shape-Memory Microneedle Patch (Hanyang University)
Researchers at Hanyang University, led by Associate Professor Hyun-Do Jung, have developed a microneedle patch that uses artificial intelligence to optimize its design. The study was published online on 30 March 2026 in the journal Advanced Materials.
Design and Mechanism
- The patch is inspired by the carnivorous plant Drosera capensis, which uses coordinated movement and adhesion.
- The microneedles are fabricated using 4D printing, allowing them to change shape in response to normal human body temperature (37°C).
- Machine learning models, specifically Gaussian Process Regression, were used to optimize the shape-recovery behavior and fabrication conditions.
Function and Composition
- The patch incorporates adhesive DNA nanoparticles intended to promote tissue regeneration.
- A zinc-treated surface is included to provide antibacterial activity.
- In laboratory tests, the microneedles demonstrated rapid shape recovery, sustained DNA release, and antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Preclinical Results
Experiments showed accelerated wound closure and improved tissue regeneration compared to conventional methods.
Potential Applications
- Researchers stated the AI-guided 4D printing strategy could be applied to soft biomedical robots or tissue-interfacing devices that require programmable motion and shape transformation.
- Potential future adaptations include smart wound patches, implants, scaffolds, and stents.
- Further research is required before the technology can be used in clinical settings.
3D-Printed Medicated Scaffolds for Chronic Wounds (University of Mississippi)
Researchers at the University of Mississippi’s School of Pharmacy are developing a customizable, 3D-printed wound scaffold designed to treat chronic wounds. The team includes researchers Michael Repka, Sateesh Vemula, and Nouf Alshammari. Their findings were published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics.
Target Condition
- The scaffold is intended for chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores, which can persist for months or years.
- These wounds are common in individuals with limited mobility or diabetes, where reduced oxygen supply slows healing and increases infection risk.
Composition and Function
- The patch is a breathable, scaffold-like structure 3D-printed from chitosan, a natural material derived from crustaceans, insects, and fungi.
- It incorporates plant-derived antimicrobials.
- Chitosan is described as helping to accelerate skin cell growth, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection. The structure acts as a scaffold to encourage tissue growth and protect the wound from contamination.
Advantages of the Technology
- The manufacturing process avoids organic solvents, which can impact wound healing.
- The use of natural antimicrobials is intended to mitigate the risk of bacterial resistance compared to traditional antibiotics.
- 3D printing allows the patch to be custom-fitted for any wound location.
- The materials are biodegradable and designed to be absorbed by the skin over time, eliminating the need for surgical removal if applied internally.
Potential Applications and Future Steps
- Researchers noted potential applications for various wound types, including military field use, where 3D printers could produce customized scaffolds.
- Before clinical use, the scaffold technology requires further testing and review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).