Progress in the application of conductive hydrogels in wound healing: a review

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex process in which an endogenous electrical field directs cellular migration and tissue restoration. Conventional dressings provide physical protection but cannot modulate endogenous bioelectrical signals. Conductive hydrogels address this limitation by combining the intrinsic properties of hydrogels with electrical conductivity. They not only transmit endogenous bioelectrical signals but also deliver external electrical stimulation to regulate key cellular processes such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The tunable properties of such materials and their adaptability to different wound environments significantly enhance their therapeutic potential. However, existing reviews focus on either specific wound types or broader biomedical applications and often lack a systematic connection between conductivity-related mechanisms and distinct wound contexts. Additionally, critical barriers to clinical translation remain understudied. This study focused on polymers suitable for conductive hydrogels, their functional mechanisms, and research advances in treating different types of wounds. Finally, it examined the key barriers to practical translation of conductive hydrogels and proposed future directions for their development as innovative wound dressings.