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Toward Intelligent and Personalized Skin Healing: Responsive Natural Hydrogels Bridging Sensing and Therapy
Xinheng Wang1, Changzhao Gao2, Dandan Yang3
1Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Natural hydrogels offer advanced solutions for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis by sensing and responding to the unique lesion microenvironment. These smart materials enable precise drug delivery and therapeutic effects for improved dermatological treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dermatology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Dermatological conditions exhibit complex, heterogeneous microenvironments.
- Conventional topical therapies face challenges in local retention and specificity.
- Natural hydrogels present biocompatible and adaptable alternatives for skin treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the progress of natural hydrogels in dermatological therapy.
- To highlight the smart capabilities of hydrogels in sensing dynamic lesion microenvironments.
- To explore the potential and future directions of natural hydrogels in precision dermatology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of natural hydrogels in dermatological applications.
- Analysis of hydrogel properties for sensing microenvironmental factors (pH, ROS, enzymes, temperature, mechanical stress).
- Evaluation of hydrogel-based therapeutic interventions (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immune regulation, barrier repair).
Main Results:
- Natural hydrogels demonstrate significant potential in treating various dermatological conditions.
- Smart hydrogels can precisely respond to specific microenvironmental cues for targeted therapy.
- The review covers preclinical studies, translational applications, and limitations of current hydrogel technologies.
Conclusions:
- Natural hydrogels are promising for advanced dermatological interventions due to their responsive and adaptable nature.
- Future research should focus on integrating hydrogels with omics, AI, and wearable systems for personalized medicine.
- Hydrogels offer a pathway towards precision and personalized treatments for complex skin diseases.
