INJECTHEAL is a Horizon Europe project focused on the development of a multifunctional self-healing injectable hydrogel designed to treat deep cavity chronic wounds and for supporting tissue regeneration. This novel hydrogel, based on functionalized pectin and gelatin, serves both as a therapeutic delivery vehicle and as a biomimetic matrix. It integrates antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic agents, offering a solution that can be injected directly into deep wounds – an approach currently unavailable with existing treatments. By doing so, it reduces the physical and mental burden associated with frequent bandage changes while ensuring effective action at otherwise hard-to-reach wound sites.

To enable customizable bioactivity, INJECTHEAL employs poly(ε-lysine) dendrons and incorporates polymeric microcapsules for controlled, targeted drug release.

The project also addresses preclinical validation, industrial scalability, and the groundwork for clinical trials, paving the way toward real-world application.