Recent Research Progress on Multifunctional Biomimetic Polydopamine-Based Hydrogels for Wound Repair: A Review

As a biomimetic material, polydopamine (PDA) possesses a eumelanin-like chemical structure and a rich group composition, which endows it with a variety of functional properties, including photothermal antibacterial, tissue adhesion, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, incorporating PDA into hydrogel network via covalent or/and non-covalent interactions provides an ideal platform for developing multifunctional dressings for wound repair. This paper first elucidates the designability of PDA as a functional unit from three aspects: polymerization mechanisms, chemical structure, and morphology regulation. Building on this foundation, the forms, preparation strategies, and functional properties of PDA in hydrogel dressings are systematically discussed. Furthermore, by integrating the pathological characteristics of infected wounds, chronic wounds, and wounds in special sites, and focusing on the functional properties of PDA, a categorized review of the application progress of PDA-based hydrogel dressings is provided. Finally, the key challenges facing current research and future development directions are outlined, providing theoretical guidance for the design of smart dressings.