Could roses help heal diabetic wounds? A new research paper finds out

Imagine if the delicate petals of a rose could help heal the stubborn wounds that trouble millions of people with diabetes. This idea, inspired not by high-tech machinery but by nature’s own toolkit, has been documented in a recent research paper published in the ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering journal. Researchers at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR in collaboration with researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai, have presented a new hydrogel dressing infused with rose-derived extracellular vesicles (REVs) and carbon dots (CDs) to treat diabetic wounds.

How the gel works

Diabetic wounds, such as foot ulcers, affect about 15% of patients and often resist healing due to poor blood flow, weakened immunity, and persistent infections. If not treated effectively, they can lead to severe complications, including amputations. Traditional wound dressings help cover injuries, but do little to prevent infections or actively promote regeneration. To overcome this, the team designed a hydrogel—a soft, gel-like material that can be applied directly into wounds. Made from oxidized sodium alginate (a seaweed extract) and polyethylenimine, the gel is self-healing, flexible, and able to fill irregular wound shapes without stitches.

The innovation lies in enriching this hydrogel with two natural components. First, rose extracellular vesicles (REVs): microscopic packets released by rose petals, containing proteins, lipids, RNAs, and growth factors that help plants repair themselves. Extracted using simple grinding, filtering, and ultrafiltration techniques, these vesicles are eco-friendly and scalable. Second, carbon dots (CDs): ultra-small, fluorescent nanoparticles synthesised from common materials such as urea and citric acid. These particles are biocompatible, antibacterial, and easy to track under UV light.

When combined, REVs and CDs transform the hydrogel into what the researchers call REV-CD-HG. This formulation steadily releases healing compounds and antibacterial agents at the wound site. REVs stimulate skin cell growth, reduce inflammation, and encourage new blood vessel formation, while CDs destroy bacteria including E. coli by generating oxidative stress that punctures cell walls. Unlike silver-based dressings or costly growth factor therapies, this approach is affordable, non-toxic, and biodegradable.

Results of testing

The hydrogel’s performance was tested in diabetic rats with skin wounds infected by E. coli. Results were remarkable: wounds treated with REV-CD-HG healed 50–70% faster than controls, with bacterial levels dropping by over 99%. Tissue analysis revealed stronger collagen deposition and well-organised new skin layers, indicating durable, scar-free healing. The gel also remained intact under movement, and no harmful effects were observed in blood or skin tests.

Addressing current challenges

The implications are significant. In India alone, diabetic wounds lead to over 1,00,000 amputations each year, costing healthcare systems billions. Current treatments are often either toxic, prone to resistance, or prohibitively expensive. A rose-infused hydrogel could offer a safer, greener, and more accessible alternative.

This study shows how nature can inspire sustainable medical innovations. By combining regenerative potential with antibacterial defence, the rose-powered hydrogel addresses two key challenges in diabetic wound care—healing and infection. However, further clinical trials and follow up studies must be done with control or placebo arms to show the clinical use and effectiveness of this formulation.

(Tatini Rakshit is an assistant professor at the School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, and lead author of the research paper. tatini.rakshit@snu.edu.in)