Hydrogel-Flexible Electronics Integrated Platforms for Diabetic Wound Management

Diabetic wounds are a major clinical challenge, driven by hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, persistent inflammation, and bacterial infection. Conventional dressings offer limited benefit, creating demand for advanced therapeutic strategies. This review analyzes hydrogel-based wound dressings and flexible electronic devices. Hydrogels are categorized by angiogenesis promotion, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory regulation, antibacterial action, and electrical conductivity. Flexible electronics are examined for adaptability, sensitivity, and real-time monitoring potential. Hydrogels maintain moist environments, support tissue regeneration, and deliver multifunctional bioactivity. Growth factor-loaded and electroactive hydrogels promote angiogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive systems restore redox balance. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial hydrogels regulate macrophages and reduce infection risk. Conductive hydrogels accelerate healing through electrical stimulation. Flexible electronics provide continuous monitoring, intelligent feedback, and remote management, enhancing treatment precision. Their integration with hydrogels represents a paradigm shift from passive dressings to active diagnostic and therapeutic systems. Challenges remain in material design, interfacial stability, and long-term biocompatibility. These issues guide future innovation and clinical translation, offering a foundation for smart diabetic wound management.