NUS Researchers Pioneer Magnetic Gel for Accelerated Diabetic Wound Healing

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has made headlines with a groundbreaking development in biomedical engineering: a magneto-responsive hydrogel designed specifically to treat chronic diabetic wounds. This innovation, led by Assistant Professor Andy Tay from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE), addresses one of the most pressing challenges in diabetes care. Diabetic foot ulcers, a common complication for those living with diabetes, often lead to slow healing, infections, and in severe cases, amputations. In Singapore, where diabetes affects a significant portion of the population, this research holds particular promise for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, impacts over 700,000 Singaporeans as of recent estimates, with projections suggesting more than one million cases by 2050. Among these, lower limb amputations due to diabetic complications occur at an alarming rate of about four per day in the city-state, one of the highest globally. The NUS team's gel offers a multifaceted solution, not just covering the wound but actively stimulating cellular repair processes to expedite recovery.

The Science Behind the Magnetic Hydrogel

At its core, the hydrogel is a soft, biocompatible matrix infused with two types of skin cells approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): dermal fibroblasts, which produce collagen and connective tissue, and epidermal keratinocytes, responsible for forming the outer skin layer. What sets this apart is the incorporation of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs). These particles respond to an external magnetic field, enabling precise control over cellular behavior without invasive procedures.

The application is straightforward: the gel is spread onto the wound and covered with a bandage. A portable, wireless magnetic device then generates a dynamic magnetic field for just 1 to 2 hours daily. This 'magneto-mechanical stimulation' mimics natural exercise for the cells, prompting fibroblasts to proliferate at rates up to 240% faster and produce over twice as much collagen. Keratinocytes, in turn, are signaled to promote angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels—crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the healing site.

This step-by-step process works as follows:

• Step 1: Gel application delivers cells and nanoparticles directly to the wound bed.
• Step 2: Magnetic stimulation applies gentle shear forces, activating mechanosensitive pathways in cells.
• Step 3: Activated fibroblasts boost extracellular matrix production and growth factors.
• Step 4: Enhanced vascularization and reduced inflammation lead to faster closure and healthier tissue regeneration.

Impressive Results from Preclinical Testing

In rigorous lab tests using diabetic mouse models (db/db mice, which mimic human type 2 diabetes), the magnetic gel demonstrated remarkable efficacy. Wounds treated with the gel and stimulation closed in approximately five days, compared to 14 to 15 days for standard hydrogel dressings without magnetism or cells. This translates to a threefold acceleration in healing speed. Moreover, the treated wounds showed superior tissue quality, with denser collagen deposition, robust blood vessel networks, and lower scarring—reducing recurrence risks that plague up to 65% of diabetic foot ulcer cases within three to five years.

Beyond speed, the gel managed hyperglycemia in the wound microenvironment, a key barrier to healing in diabetics. High glucose levels impair cell migration and proliferation, but the stimulated cells effectively normalized this, fostering a pro-healing environment. These findings were detailed in a peer-reviewed study published in Advanced Materials (DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304638), underscoring NUS's commitment to translational research.

Spotlight on the Research Team at NUS

Assistant Professor Andy Tay, a rising star in NUS Biomedical Engineering, spearheads this project. His lab focuses on harnessing physical cues—like mechanical forces—to modulate cellular responses for therapeutic applications. Co-first author Dr. Shou Yufeng, a Research Fellow in the same department, contributed significantly to the hydrogel's formulation and testing. The team collaborated with experts from A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Sun Yat-sen University, and Wuhan University of Technology, exemplifying Singapore's vibrant interdisciplinary research ecosystem.

This work stems from NUS's iHealthtech initiative, which bridges engineering and medicine to tackle health challenges. Tay emphasizes, “Our technology addresses multiple critical factors... managing elevated glucose levels and repairing the disrupted vascular network.” Such innovations position NUS as a leader in regenerative medicine within Singapore's higher education landscape.

Diabetic Wounds: A Growing Crisis in Singapore

Singapore faces a diabetes epidemic, with prevalence rising from 9.9% in 2010 to 13.7% in 2021 among adults aged 18-69. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect 15-25% of patients lifetime, preceding 85% of lower limb amputations. The economic toll is staggering: each amputation costs SGD 50,000-100,000 in immediate care, plus lifelong rehabilitation. Early intervention is key, yet conventional treatments—debridement, offloading, and passive dressings—fail 40-50% of cases due to poor vascularity and persistent inflammation.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) reports over 1,400 diabetes-related amputations annually, highlighting the urgency. NUS's gel could transform podiatry at institutions like Sengkang General Hospital, where orthopaedic consultant Asst Prof Francis Wong notes it could “reduce the duration of the patient journey.”MOH National Diabetes Plan

Advantages Over Traditional Wound Care

• Synergistic Action: Combines cell therapy, mechanical stimulation, and nanoparticle delivery—unlike single-modality dressings.
• Non-Invasive: Wireless magnet avoids surgery or drugs with side effects.
• Cost-Effective: Potential to cut hospital stays and amputations, saving millions in healthcare costs.
• Versatile: Applicable to burns, chronic ulcers beyond diabetes.
• Safe Profile: Uses FDA-cleared components, minimizing risks.

Compared to hyperbaric oxygen or negative pressure therapy, it's simpler and more accessible for outpatient use.

Path to Clinical Translation and NUS's Role

With a patent secured, the team is refining the formulation and partnering for human trials using diabetic tissues. Challenges include scaling production and regulatory approval from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA). NUS's ecosystem—via iHealthtech and CDE—facilitates this, with spin-offs like this potentially commercialized through NUS Enterprise.

This aligns with Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan, investing SGD 25 billion in biomedicine. NUS, ranked top in Asia for biomedical engineering, exemplifies how university research drives national health solutions.

Broader Impacts on Singapore's Higher Education and Research Landscape

NUS's breakthrough underscores Singapore's ascent as a biomedical hub, attracting global talent. Programs like the Biomedical Engineering undergraduate course train future innovators, with research funding from National Research Foundation (NRF) exceeding SGD 1 billion annually. Collaborations with NTU and A*STAR foster ecosystem synergy, positioning Singapore universities at the forefront of regenerative therapies.

For students and faculty, such projects offer hands-on translational experience, boosting employability in medtech firms like Becton Dickinson or startups. The gel's success could inspire similar mechanobiology research across NUS faculties.

Future Outlook: From Lab to Clinic

Looking ahead, human trials could commence within 2-3 years, potentially integrating with wearable magnets for home use. Long-term, it may reduce Singapore's amputation rate by 20-30%, aligning with MOH goals. Challenges like cell viability in storage and personalization for patient glucose levels remain, but NUS's track record—evident in COVID innovations—bodes well.

As Asst Prof Tay envisions, this “sweet spot” of stimulation could redefine wound care globally, with NUS leading the charge.

Photo by Andrey Matveev on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives and Ethical Considerations

Clinicians like Asst Prof Wong praise its productivity boost, while patient advocates highlight reduced recurrence. Ethically, ensuring equitable access in Singapore's diverse population is key, with subsidies via Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). NUS emphasizes safety, with no cytotoxicity observed.

Multi-perspective views from MOH, podiatrists, and patients underscore collaborative potential.