Oxygen Gel May Prevent Amputations in Chronic Wounds

New treatment for diabetic ulcers shows promise in animal studies

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have developed an innovative oxygen-delivering gel designed to address a key factor hindering the healing of chronic wounds - lack of oxygen in the deeper layers of damaged tissue. Unlike existing therapies that primarily deliver oxygen to the wound surface, this gel conforms to the unique shape of the wound, ensuring oxygen reaches the areas where it's most needed and the risk of infection is highest. Preclinical testing in animal models showed significant improvements, with wounds treated with the oxygen gel closing within approximately 23 days, compared to untreated wounds that often failed to heal and were fatal.

Why it matters

Chronic wounds, which fail to heal within a month, affect an estimated 12 million people annually in the U.S. and can lead to amputation for about one in five patients. This new gel-based treatment offers a promising solution to address the underlying oxygen deficiency that often hinders the healing process, potentially reducing the need for amputations and improving quality of life for those suffering from chronic wounds.

The details

The gel combines water with a choline-based liquid that is antibacterial, nontoxic, and biocompatible. When paired with a small battery, similar to those found in hearing aids, the gel functions as a miniature electrochemical oxygen generator, splitting water molecules to release a continuous and controlled supply of oxygen. Unlike existing therapies, this gel can deliver oxygen to the deeper layers of the wound for up to a month, a timeframe essential for new blood vessel formation. In addition to the oxygen supply, the gel's choline component helps regulate the immune system and reduce excessive inflammation, restoring a healthier balance within the wound environment.

  • The gel is currently in the preclinical stage, with promising results from animal studies.
  • Further research and clinical trials are needed before the gel becomes widely available to patients.

The players

University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside)

A public research university located in Riverside, California, where the oxygen-delivering gel was developed by researchers.

Iman Noshadi

An associate professor of bioengineering at UC Riverside who explains the challenges of chronic wounds and the potential of the oxygen gel technology.

a-Heal

A portable system developed by researchers that combines AI, bio-electronics, and a built-in camera to actively monitor and accelerate wound healing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chronic wounds don't heal by themselves. There are four stages to healing chronic wounds: inflammation, vascularization, remodeling, and regeneration. In any of these stages, lack of a stable, consistent oxygen supply is a big problem.”

— Iman Noshadi, Associate Professor of Bioengineering, UC Riverside

“As tissues get thicker, cells die from lack of oxygen. This technology could be a crucial step towards sustainably growing larger tissues or organs.”

— Iman Noshadi, Associate Professor of Bioengineering, UC Riverside

What’s next

Further research and clinical trials are needed before the oxygen-delivering gel becomes widely available to patients.

The takeaway

This innovative oxygen gel offers a promising solution to address the underlying oxygen deficiency that often hinders the healing of chronic wounds, potentially reducing the need for amputations and improving quality of life for those suffering from this growing healthcare challenge.