Multifunctional alginate based hydrogel beads dressing for chronic wound healing: A review

Chronic wounds, characterized by delayed healing and the inability to restore the normal anatomical and physiological structure of the skin, pose a serious risk to public health. It is necessary to develop wound dressings that can adapt to the complex environment of chronic wounds. Alginate-based hydrogel beads have recently gained prominence in the field of chronic wound treatment. These alginate hydrogel beads not only possess excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability but also exhibit enhanced physicochemical properties and biological activity conducive to chronic wound healing through alginate modification, cross-linking with other polymeric materials, or the loading of drugs and bioactive substances. In this study, we aim to focus on chronic wound healing and gain a comprehensive understanding of the wound healing-related biological functions of alginate-based hydrogels. The purpose of the review is to assess the efficacy of multifunctional alginate-based hydrogel beads in the healing of chronic wounds. The main findings of the review include patient satisfaction, moisture retention ability, and wound closure rates. In addition to promoting wound healing, multifunctional alginate hydrogel bead dressings are associated with high levels of patient satisfaction, driven by reduced pain during dressing changes, less frequent dressing changes, increased comfort, conformability to wound shape, and improved odor control. These features may enhance compliance and quality of life in patients with chronic wounds. The distinctive contribution of these beads lies in their exceptional performance, highlighting their potential to advance wound care technologies.