Researchers have developed a wound-healing biomaterial that can withstand the extreme acidic conditions of the stomach and gastrointestinal tracts, inspired by the naturally protective properties of gastric mucus. Published today in Cell Reports Physical Science , results from experiments in pigs and rats show that the biomaterial can accelerate the healing of wounds in the esophagus.

The biomaterial “has potential for treating gastroesophageal reflux, gastric ulcers, and post-surgical wound protection and can be combined with endoscopic delivery for minimally invasive therapy,” said Bei Li, PhD, postgraduate researcher at the West China Hospital at Sichuan University and lead co-author of the study. “In both rat and pig models, it not only sticks firmly but also helps wounds heal

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