Recent advances in the application of functional hydrogels in skin wound healing

• Published in: MedComm - Biomaterials and applications Vol. 3; no. 4
• Main Authors: Bei, Zhongwu, Zheng, Jing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.12.2024; Wiley
• Subjects: Blood platelets; Blood vessels; Connective tissue; Fibroblasts; Hydrogels; Hyperglycemia; Infections; Inflammation; Injuries; Metabolism; multifunctional hydrogel; Permeability; Physiology; Quality of life; Skin integrity; Tissue engineering; tissue regeneration; Trauma; Ulcers; wound dressing; Wound healing
• ISSN: 2769-643X; 2769-643X
• DOI: 10.1002/mba2.101

The effective treatment of skin wounds has long posed a significant challenge in the medical field, impacting patient comfort, quality of life, and the rate and outcome of wound healing. With continuous advancements in science and technology, novel materials have emerged, providing new possibilities for skin wound treatment. Among these, multifunctional hydrogels have shown considerable potential in promoting skin wound healing as a type of wound dressing material. This review systematically examines the progress in the application of multifunctional hydrogels in skin wound healing. Initially, the structure and composition of the skin are introduced. Subsequently, skin wounds are classified, and the wound‐healing process is discussed in detail. Traditional and modern dressings are then categorized, with a particular emphasis on the characteristics and applications of hydrogel dressings. The various functions of hydrogels in skin wound healing, including antibacterial, antioxidant, hemostatic, adhesive, stimulus‐responsive, and wound status monitoring, are reviewed. The paper concludes with a summary of the existing research gaps and provides insights into the future development directions of multifunctional hydrogels. This review aims to guide the preparation of hydrogel wound dressings and offer theoretical references for the exploration of next‐generation functional hydrogels. Functional hydrogels hold significant promise in promoting skin wound healing. They effectively isolate external contaminants, reduce infection risks, maintain wound cleanliness, and aid in promoting cell regeneration and tissue repair, thereby accelerating the healing process. This review outlines the development and classification of wound dressings, focusing on the role of functional hydrogel wound dressings in promoting wound healing.