Research Summary: This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a multifunctional hydrogel created by conjugating spermine, a bioamine, to gellan gum, a biopolymer, to form a novel conjugated (GG-S) polymer and crosslinking with oxidized tannic acid, resulting in a robust injectable hydrogel with high antibacterial, antioxidant, and cell-proliferative properties. Advanced physicochemical analyses and biological evaluations show the hydrogel’s interconnected microporous architecture, mechanical stability, controlled swelling/degradation, and pronounced biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for wound healing and tissue engineering by efficiently integrating ECM-mimetic, antimicrobial, and regenerative functionalities. The developed formulation is eco-friendly, sustainable, and has been applied for an Indian patent, emphasizing its novelty and translational potential.
Author interview
Prasanna Kumari B is a dedicated PhD scholar in the Biomaterials and Drug Delivery Lab, led by Dr. Mukesh Dhanka, within the Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar. Her research expertise lies in the innovative modification of polymers and the extraction of biopolymers from algal biomass to engineer advanced multifunctional hydrogels aimed at promoting effective wound healing and tissue regeneration. She is passionately driving the development of an integrated, all-in-one biomaterial solution that is entirely biobased, sustainable, and cost-effective, with the goal of delivering accessible and environmentally responsible therapeutic options that address critical challenges in regenerative medicine and chronic wound management.
Lab: Dr. Mukesh Dhanka, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Website: https://mdlabiitgn.wixsite.com/biomaterials-drug
What was the core problem you aimed to solve with this research?
The core problem addressed in this research was the lack of naturally derived biopolymers that possess inherent and robust antibacterial properties essential for wound healing applications; to overcome this, the study aimed to chemically conjugate gellan gum, a biocompatible but non-antibacterial carbohydrate polymer with spermine, a bioactive polyamine, creating a novel conjugated biopolymer with intrinsic antibacterial activity that also forms a multifunctional, injectable hydrogel capable of accelerating wound healing by mimicking extracellular matrix features and delivering mechanical strength, bioactivity, and infection control in a single sustainable material.
How did you go about solving this problem?
To address the critical gap of lacking inherently antibacterial biopolymers, a strategic and innovative pathway was adopted by chemically conjugating gellan gum with spermine to engineer a new biopolymer (GG-S) endowed with intrinsic antibacterial activity. This foundation was elevated by crosslinking the conjugate with oxidized tannic acid, yielding a robust, injectable hydrogel network meticulously designed to deliver synergistic functionalities, such as potent antibacterial and antioxidant effects, strong tissue adhesiveness, enhanced mechanical stability, controlled release, degradation, and ECM-mimetic dynamics. This forward-thinking design enabled the hydrogel to not only efficiently combat infection and oxidative stress but also simultaneously support tissue regeneration and sustained bioactive delivery, thereby directly overcoming the known shortcomings of existing biopolymer hydrogels and positioning the material as a sustainable, versatile, and translational solution for advanced biomedical therapies.
How would you explain your research outcomes (Key findings) to the non-scientific community?
This study developed a special gel-like material made of natural materials that can be easily applied or injected into wounds to help them heal faster and better. The material not only fights infection by killing harmful bacteria but also reduces inflammation and protects tissues from damage caused by harmful molecules. It sticks well to the wound and supports the growth of new, healthy skin cells, making the healing process quicker and less painful. Importantly, it’s safe for the body and breaks down slowly, so it provides lasting support during recovery. This advanced material could make treating wounds more effective and comfortable for patients.
Just imagine an intelligent locally injectable polymeric material that not only kills the bacteria but actively promotes healing. Our team (Biomaterial and Drug Delivery Lab) at IIT Gandhinagar is engineering bio-inspired polymers that can be transformed into smart, breathable 3D gel-like materials designed to tackle even the deep chronic skin wounds. — Dr. Mukesh Dhanka
What are the potential implications of your findings for the field and society?
The findings of this research hold transformative potential for both the biomedical field and broader society by introducing an innovative, multifunctional injectable hydrogel platform that redefines biomaterial design through the conjugation of a biopolymer with a bioactive amine, resulting in GG-S with intrinsic antibacterial efficacy. This advancement not only addresses critical challenges in infection control and tissue regeneration but also establishes a versatile, sustainable, and easily deployable therapeutic material. For society, the hydrogel’s ability to accelerate healing, reduce infection risks, and promote superior tissue regeneration promises to greatly enhance patient care outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and improve quality of life, particularly for individuals with chronic wounds and complicated healing scenarios, signaling a crucial step forward in next-generation regenerative medicine and wound management.
What was the exciting moment during your research?
An exciting aspect during the research was the final confirmation of the effective conjugation of gellan gum with spermine, which was a critical milestone in validating the study’s basic hypothesis. This was exciting not only because it showed the viability of chemically engineering a biopolymer with intrinsic antibacterial capabilities, but also because it opened up the possibility of developing a multifunctional hydrogel platform with synergistic therapeutic benefits. The conjugate’s improved bioactivity and seamless integration with oxidized tannic acid to form a stable, injectable hydrogel demonstrated the material’s uniqueness and promise for advanced biomedical applications.
Paper reference https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2025.e01534
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