UC Riverside Researchers Develop Breakthrough Oxygen-Generating Gel to Heal Chronic Wounds

In a significant leap for medical technology, researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) unveiled a revolutionary self-oxygenating gel in 2026 designed to treat chronic wounds. This innovative development specifically targets hypoxia, a condition characterized by a severe lack of oxygen in deep tissue layers that often prevents healing. As detailed in the February 2026 issue of the journal Communications Materials, this new material offers a sophisticated approach to managing complex injuries that have traditionally resisted standard medical interventions. The study highlights how addressing the oxygen deficit at the source can fundamentally change the trajectory of wound care.

The chemical composition of the gel is both simple and highly effective, consisting primarily of water and a specialized biocompatible, antibacterial liquid derived from choline. When this substance is connected to a compact, low-profile power source, it initiates an electrochemical process that splits the water molecules into their constituent parts. This reaction ensures a steady and continuous release of oxygen directly into the wound site for a duration of up to one month. This long-term delivery system eliminates the need for frequent, painful dressing changes and provides the consistent environment necessary for cellular repair and tissue regeneration.

One of the primary advantages of this gel is its physical flexibility, which allows it to conform precisely to the irregular shapes and depths of various chronic wounds. By maintaining a consistent supply of oxygen over an extended period, the gel effectively suppresses chronic inflammation and encourages angiogenesis—the formation of new blood vessels. This dual-action approach is essential for transitioning a stagnant wound into an active state of recovery. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the choline-based liquid help to prevent secondary infections, which are a common and dangerous complication in chronic wound management.

The efficacy of the technology was demonstrated through rigorous testing on animal models, specifically focusing on diabetic and elderly mice whose healing processes are naturally compromised. In these studies, wounds that received weekly gel replacements achieved full closure in approximately 23 days. In stark contrast, untreated wounds in the control group showed almost no signs of healing during the same timeframe, highlighting the dramatic impact of the oxygenation therapy. These results suggest that the gel can overcome the biological barriers that typically prevent healing in high-risk patient populations, offering hope for those with persistent medical conditions.

Given that chronic wounds exacerbated by diabetes affect millions of individuals globally every year, this breakthrough from UC Riverside represents a vital advancement in public health. By significantly improving the speed and reliability of wound closure, this technology has the potential to enhance the quality of life for countless patients. It offers a promising new strategy for healthcare providers looking to reduce the complications and long-term disability associated with non-healing injuries. As this technology moves toward clinical application, it could become a cornerstone of modern regenerative medicine and a standard of care for diabetic patients worldwide.