Design and Therapeutic Applications of Hydrogel Dressings in Diverse Wound Management

Wound healing is an extremely complex physiological process. Different types of wounds (e.g., burns, bone defects, gastrointestinal ulcers, skin trauma, and diabetic ulcers) exhibit distinct pathological characteristics and therapeutic requirements. Traditional treatment methods not only struggle to meet these complex demands but also involve prolonged and intricate procedures, causing significant patient suffering. Therefore, the development of novel biomaterials, particularly multifunctional hydrogels, has become a research hotspot in recent years. Hydrogels are biomaterials with a three-dimensional network structure, characterized by high water absorption capacity, excellent biocompatibility, stimuli responsiveness, tunable mechanical properties, and functionalization potential, which have demonstrated broad application prospects in wound therapy. Their multifunctionality and tunable physicochemical properties enable them to address the needs of diverse wound types, including acute, chronic, and infected ones, providing effective treatment strategies. This Review summarizes the applications of hydrogels in various wound types over the past 4 years, covering clinical scenarios such as burns, bone repair, gastrointestinal wounds, full-thickness skin injuries, and diabetic wounds. It highlights the multifunctionality, biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, and prohealing capabilities of hydrogels in wound treatment, offering innovative approaches and insights for diverse wound management.