Nanozyme hydrogel patch promotes diabetic wound repair in a pig model
Published in Immunology, Journals, Nanomedicine.
Published October 18, 2026.
A study published in Nature Communications on October 17 describes an experimental hydrogel patch designed to improve diabetic wound repair by changing macrophage metabolism.
The researchers identified transketolase (TKT), an enzyme in these immune cells, as a regulator of blood-vessel regeneration. Loss of TKT increased amino-acid and fatty-acid breakdown, raised reactive oxygen species levels and disrupted the growth and differentiation of endothelial cells, which line blood vessels.
The team then developed a hydrogel patch incorporating nanozymes. The system selectively increased TKT levels in macrophages, reduced oxidative stress and restored their ability to support new blood-vessel formation. Local delivery accelerated wound closure and vascular repair in a diabetic pig model.
Why it matters: The work connects immune-cell metabolism with tissue repair and offers a potential local-delivery strategy for further development.
Limits: This is preclinical research. Faster healing in an animal model does not establish safety, effectiveness or superiority to standard wound care in people. Human studies would be needed before clinical use. The available paper is an early, peer-reviewed accepted version and remains subject to editorial changes.
Source: Xiong and colleagues, Nature Communications, October 17, 2026.