pH factors in chronic wound and pH-responsive polysaccharide-based hydrogel dressings

Chronic wounds present a significant healthcare challenge marked by complexities such as persistent bleeding, inhibited cell proliferation, dysregulated inflammation, vulnerability to infection, and compromised tissue remodeling. Conventional wound dressings often prove inadequate in addressing the intricate requirements of chronic wound healing, leading to slow healing and heightened susceptibility to infections in patients with prolonged medical conditions. Bacterial biofilms in chronic wounds pose an additional challenge due to drug resistance. Advanced wound dressings have emerged as promising tools in expediting the healing process. Among these, pH-responsive polysaccharide-based hydrogels exhibit immense prospect by adapting their functions to dynamic wound conditions. Despite their potential, the current literature lacks a thorough review of these wound dressings. This review bridges this gap by meticulously examining factors related to chronic wounds, current strategies for healing, and the mechanisms and potential applications of pH-responsive hydrogel wound dressings as an emerging therapeutic solution. Special focus is given to their remarkable antibacterial properties and significant self-healing abilities. It further explores the pH-monitoring functions of these dressings, elucidating the associated pH indicators. This synthesis of knowledge aims to guide future research and development in the field of pH-responsive wound dressings, providing valuable insights into their potential applications in wound care.