Hydrogen Evolution and Dynamics in Hydrogel Electrochemical Cells for Ischemia-Reperfusion Therapy
Published in Nature Chemical Engineering, 2025
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) protects organs from reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage associated with ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and inflammation. Existing H₂ delivery methods such as gas inhalation and hydrogen-enriched water lack precision, target the entire body, and suffer substantial leakage. We engineered a wireless and portable hydrogel electrochemical cell that enables on-demand H₂ production via the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), with controlled generation, localized storage, and sustained diffusion to the tissue-device interface — controllability and sustainability unattainable with current methods. We conducted the first thorough study of H₂ evolution and dynamics in a pure hydrogel electrolyte system, evaluating the influence of hydrogel polymer composition on HER kinetics, gas morphologies, and gas storage. Protective effects against ROS were validated (1) in vitro with cardiomyocytes and keratinocytes, (2) ex vivo in an I/R heart model, and (3) in vivo in a skin I/R pressure ulcer model. These findings demonstrate the potential of hydrogel electrochemical cell design for efficient and sustainable H₂ delivery in I/R therapy.
Recommended citation: Wen Li, Jing Zhang, et al., B Tian. (2025). "Hydrogen Evolution and Dynamics in Hydrogel Electrochemical Cells for Ischemia-Reperfusion Therapy." Nature Chemical Engineering.
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