Hydrogels for Enhanced Wound Healing Applications
Summary
Hydrogels are three-dimensional, water-rich polymer networks that mimic the natural extracellular matrix, offering a moist environment conducive to tissue repair. Their high water content and tunable mechanical properties facilitate cell migration, proliferation and angiogenesis, while modifiable chemistry allows the incorporation of therapeutic agents such as growth factors, antimicrobials and antioxidants. Natural biopolymers (for example alginate, chitosan and collagen) and synthetic polymers (for example polyethylene glycol and polyacrylamide) have been engineered into hydrogels with adjustable degradation rates and crosslink densities. Recent advances include stimuli-responsive systems that release cargo in response to pH, temperature or enzymatic cues, and composite formulations that combine nanofibres or nanoparticles to enhance mechanical strength and bioactivity. Emerging fabrication techniques, such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidic moulding, enable precise structuring for customised wound dressings, while injectable and self-healing hydrogels promise minimal invasiveness and improved patient comfort. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges remain in optimising long-term biocompatibility, regulatory approval and scalable manufacturing.
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Hydrogels for Enhanced Wound Healing Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hydrogels for enhanced wound healing applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hydrogel: crosslinked hydrophilic polymer network capable of absorbing and retaining large volumes of water.
Extracellular matrix: three-dimensional assembly of proteins and polysaccharides that provides structural and biochemical support to cells.
Angiogenesis: process of new blood-vessel formation from pre-existing vasculature.
Biocompatibility: ability of a material to perform its intended function without eliciting undesirable local or systemic effects.
Crosslinking: chemical or physical bonding between polymer chains that stabilises the network structure.
References
- Progress in the Use of Hydrogels for Antioxidant Delivery in Skin Wounds. Pharmaceutics (2024).
- Hydrophilic Scaffolds Containing Extracts of Stryphnodendron adstringens and Abarema cochliacarpa for Wound Healing: In Vivo Proofs of Concept. Pharmaceutics (2022).
- A review of past promises, present realities and a vibrant future for wound dressing from naturally occurring to sustainable materials. RSC Sustainability (2023).
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