Recent advances and biomedical applications of conductive hydrogels for wound repair

Abstract

The skin, serving as the body's primary line of defense against external elements, is easily damaged, forming acute or chronic wounds. Consequently, wound care has generated significant market demand and attracted considerable interest. Conductive hydrogels, cutting-edge materials that effectively merge the extracellular matrix mimicking properties of hydrogels with the electrochemical properties of conductive materials, have garnered substantial attention in tissue engineering. In addition to the unique mechanical adjustability and bioactive substance transport capabilities of hydrogels, conductive hydrogels provide endogenous electric fields and injury currents to the wound area through electrical stimulation, enhancing cell migration and the development of epithelial layers. Therefore, they possess significant potential for practical application in skin wound repair. This article reviews the applications and recent advancements of conductive hydrogels in wound healing over the past five years, including the types and characteristics of conductive hydrogels and their use in various kinds of wounds, and evaluates the limitations and prospects of conductive hydrogels, offering references and new insights for their future clinical applications.