UCLA

This study investigates wound healing differences between full-thickness excisional wounds and scald burns in adult mice, highlighting the challenges of burn injury regeneration. Despite timely debridement, burns consistently exhibit delayed healing and increased scarring compared to excisional wounds. We develop a mouse model that recapitulates the clinical features of burn wounds in humans. We use this model to explore the potential of D-peptide and L-peptide crosslinked microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels to enhance burn wound regeneration. Our findings underscore the critical influence of injury mechanisms on tissue regenerative potential, suggesting that MAP hydrogels, particularly those with peptide crosslinking would improve burn wounds. These insights deepen our understanding of wound healing dynamics. Our findings reveal the therapeutic strategies to enhance tissue repair and regeneration in burn injuries, ultimately advancing clinical interventions and improving patient care.