Multifunctional bilayer dressings: a next generation biomaterial for enhanced wound healing

Wound healing poses a considerable challenge in the healthcare sector, especially for chronic and infected wounds, requiring advanced technological alternatives that surpass conventional dressings. Bilayer dressings, which combine hydrogels and electrospun nanofibers together, have recently emerged as a next generation biomaterial that mimics skin to enhance wound healing. Herein, we first describe skin physiology and various steps that are involved in the wound healing process. Based on this foundation, we further describe advancements made in individual hydrogel and electrospun nanofiber based single layer wound dressings and their in vivo implications. We discuss the shortcomings of these single layer dressings, and highlight the potential of bilayer dressings in overcoming these issues. Furthermore, we comprehensively elaborate the efforts made so far to develop bilayer dressings to advance skin wound care treatment. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities existing in the area of bilayer dressings that should be addressed to achieve their clinical application in future.