Advances in Multifunctional Hydrogels for Wound Healing
A comprehensive review published in the *International Journal of Nanomedicine* explores the emerging role of multifunctional hydrogels in wound management—especially for chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers. These hydrogels are designed not just to maintain a moist environment but to actively participate in different stages of the healing process.
Key Insights:
- Hydrogel Benefits: Hydrogels are biocompatible, water-rich materials that support wound hydration, absorb exudate, reduce pain, and allow for close contact with irregular wound surfaces. They can also serve as delivery vehicles for drugs, growth factors, or cells.
- Multi-Stage Action: Advanced hydrogels are now being engineered to address specific wound-healing phases—such as controlling bleeding, reducing infection, modulating inflammation, and encouraging angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.
- Smart Materials: Some hydrogels respond to environmental stimuli like pH, temperature, glucose levels, or oxidative stress. These “smart” systems can release active compounds only when needed, reducing dosing errors and improving treatment outcomes.
- Antimicrobial & Antioxidant Functions: Silver or copper nanoparticles, along with natural or synthetic antioxidants, are being incorporated into hydrogels to prevent infection and reduce oxidative damage at the wound site.
- Pro-Angiogenic Design: Hydrogels that deliver VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), promote macrophage polarization, or improve blood vessel formation are gaining attention for their regenerative potential.
- Emerging Technologies: Techniques like 3D bioprinting, microneedle delivery systems, and self-healing injectable hydrogels are pushing the boundaries of design, offering new hope for hard-to-heal wounds.
Challenges: Despite their promise, the clinical translation of multifunctional hydrogels faces hurdles—such as manufacturing complexity, regulatory approval, and ensuring reproducibility and safety across diverse patient populations.
This review emphasizes the transformative potential of hydrogel-based dressings—not only as passive wound covers but as active therapeutic platforms that engage with the biology of wound healing.
Keywords:
multifunctional hydrogel,
smart hydrogel,
stimuli‑responsive dressing,
antibacterial hydrogel,
angiogenic hydrogel