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Traditional bulk hydrogels containing antibiotics or metal ions often fall short in effectively treating wound infections due to mechanical limitations, bacterial resistance, and potential cytotoxicity. To address these challenges, an extracellular matrix (ECM)‐inspired antibacterial fibrous hydrogel featuring an anisotropic topological structure is developed that closely mimics the natural ECM environment. A novel antibacterial agent, PHMB‐VAN‐Gd (PVG), is synthesized by reacting polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) with O‐Vanillin (VAN) to form the Schiff base ligand PHMB‐VAN (PV), followed by coordination with gadolinium ions (Gd3⁺). Employing silk fibroin (SF) as the matrix, the PVG complex is incorporated into fibrous hydrogels through electrospinning, generating structures that replicate the fibrous architecture of the ECM. The resulting SF‐PVG fibrous hydrogels exhibited robust antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the aligned fiber orientation and substantial mechanical strength of these hydrogels facilitated cellular functions, promoting cell attachment and proliferation. This study underscores the significant potential of SF‐PVG hydrogels for wound infection treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproducing the microstructure of the natural cornea remains a significant challenge in achieving the mechanical and biological functionality of artificial corneas. Therefore, the development of cascade structures that mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), achieving both macro-stability and micro-structure, is of critical importance. This study proposes a novel, efficient, and general photo-functionalization strategy for modifying natural biomaterials. Collagen microfibers obtained through electrospinning are functionalized with an active N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester, to impart light-curing ability. This approach expands the construction of photo-controllable hydrogel systems beyond conventional single methacrylate (MA) modifications or di-tyrosine bonding, enabling integration with other biomaterials for comprehensive ECM remodeling. Subsequently, the collagen microfibers are then photo-embedded into gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) via covalent crosslinking to form a fibrous hydrogel, which supports both structural and functional requirements. In terms of biological functionality, the hydrogel promotes significant inward migration and retention of human corneal fibroblasts (hCFs), replicating ECM-like environments. Furthermore, its excellent burst resistance suggests potential as a bioadhesive. In a rabbit model, the hydrogel achieved effective repair of large-sized (6 mm) corneal defects, facilitates epithelial migration, and maintained long-term stability. This work provides valuable guidance for designing efficient and simplified bioactive materials for corneal repair and broader tissue engineering applications., (© 2025 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Control over the organization of cells at the microscale level within supporting biomaterials can push forward the construction of complex tissue architectures for tissue engineering applications and enable fundamental studies of how tissue structure relates to its function. While cells patterning on 2D substrates is a relatively established and available procedure, micropatterning cells in biomimetic 3D hydrogels has been more challenging, especially with micro-scale resolution, and currently relies on sophisticated tools and protocols. We present a robust and accessible 'peel-off' method to micropattern large arrays of individual cells or cell-clusters of precise sizes in biological 3D hydrogels, such as fibrin and collagen gels, with control over cell-cell separation distance and neighboring cells position. We further demonstrate partial control over cell position in the z -dimension by stacking two layers in varying distances between the layers. To demonstrate the potential of the micropatterning gel platform, we study the matrix-mediated mechanical interaction between array of cells that are accurately separated in defined distances. A collective process of intense cell-generated densified bands emerging in the gel between near neighbors was identified, along which cells preferentially migrate, a process relevant to tissue morphogenesis. The presented 3D gel micropatterning method can be used to reveal fundamental morphogenetic processes, and to reconstruct any tissue geometry with micrometer resolution in 3D biomimetic gel environments, leveraging the engineering of tissues in complex architectures., (Creative Commons Attribution license.)

Diabetes wounds take longer to heal due to extended inflammation, decreased angiogenesis, bacterial infection, and oxidative stress. These factors underscore the need for biocompatible and multifunctional dressings with appropriate physicochemical and swelling properties to accelerate wound healing. Herein, insulin (Ins)-loaded, and silver (Ag) coated mesoporous polydopamine (mPD) nanoparticles were synthesized (Ag@Ins-mPD). The nanoparticles were dispersed into polycaprolactone/methacrylated hyaluronate aldehyde dispersion, electrospun to form nanofibers, and then photochemically crosslinked to form a fibrous hydrogel. The nanoparticle, fibrous hydrogel, and nanoparticle-reinforced fibrous hydrogel were characterized for their morphological, mechanical, physicochemical, swelling, drug-release, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytocompatibility properties. The diabetic wound reconstruction potential of nanoparticle-reinforced fibrous hydrogel was studied using BALB/c mice. The results indicated that Ins-mPD acted as a reductant to synthesize Ag nanoparticles on their surface, held antibacterial and antioxidant potential, and their mesoporous properties are crucial for insulin loading and sustained release. The nanoparticle-reinforced scaffolds were uniform in architecture, porous, mechanically stable, showed good swelling, and possessed superior antibacterial, and cell-responsive properties. Furthermore, the designed fibrous hydrogel scaffold demonstrated good angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, increased collagen deposition, and faster wound repair capabilities, therefore, it could be used as a potential candidate for diabetic wound treatment. [Display omitted] • Insulin-loaded and silver-coated mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles were synthesized. • Methacrylated hyaluronate aldehyde-based nanofibers were photochemically crosslinked to fabricate fibrous hydrogel. • Nanoparticles-reinforced fibrous hydrogel demonstrated antibacterial, cytocompatibility, and ROS-scavenging properties. • Fibrous hydrogel modulated anti-inflammatory, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and diabetic wound reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]