Research Projects

Diabetic wounds are a major global health concern, affecting approximately 15–25% of the 537 million people living with diabetes worldwide, with a significant proportion progressing to chronic, non-healing ulcers. These wounds are associated with high morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and account for over 70,000 lower-limb amputations annually in India alone. A critical factor contributing to delay wound healing is local tissue hypoxia, which impairs essential cellular functions required for tissue regeneration. To address this unsatisfied need, we propose a novel therapeutic platform based on Molecular Oxygen-Loaded Metal-Organic Framework Gels (MOFGs). MOFGs are hydrogel-based delivery systems incorporating porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) capable of adsorbing and gradually releasing molecular oxygen at the wound site. By delivering a sustained, localized oxygen supply, MOFGs create an oxygen-enriched microenvironment that facilitates fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and epithelial remodelling; key processes often compromised in diabetic wound healing. Preclinical studies reported in the literature have also shown that enhancing oxygenation at the wound site can accelerate healing rates by up to 50%, significantly reduce the risk of wound infections by over 40%, and decrease healing time by 30–40% compared to standard care. MOFGs mimic the body's natural healing mechanisms while ensuring biocompatibility, tunable oxygen release kinetics, and potential for large-scale, low-cost fabrication. This approach highlights the transformative potential of MOFGs in diabetic wound care. By exploring advanced materials science and biomimetic oxygen delivery, MOFGs will offer a scalable, affordable, and clinically relevant solution to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens. We hope this novel idea brings a new era in the management of diabetic wounds.