A Comprehensive Exploration of Hydrogel Applications in Multi-Stage Skin Wound Healing

Abstract

The hydrogel, as an emerging biomaterial, has found extensive use in the healing of wounds due to its distinctive physicochemical structure and functional properties. Moreover, hydrogel can be made to match a range of therapeutic requirements for materials used in wound healing through specific functional modifications. This review provides a step-by-step explanation of the processes involved in cutaneous wound healing, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and reconstitution, along with an investigation of the factors that impact these processes. Furthermore, a thorough analysis is conducted of the various stages of the wound healing process at which functional hydrogels are implemented, including hemostasis, anti-infection measures, encouraging regeneration, scar reduction, and wound monitoring. Next, the latest progress of multifunctional hydrogels for wound healing and the methods to achieve these functions are discussed in depth, categorized for elucidation. Finally, perspectives and challenges associated with the clinical applications of multifunctional hydrogels are discussed.