Multifunctional Hydrogels for Diabetic Wound Healing: Design Strategies and Microenvironmental Remodeling Mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Diabetic wounds present a significant clinical challenge due to a dysregulated wound microenvironment, limiting conventional treatment efficacy.
• Multifunctional hydrogels are emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound management.
• These hydrogels possess biocompatibility, tunable properties, and the ability to actively remodel pathological microenvironments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of diabetic wound pathogenesis and current therapeutic strategies.
• To focus on recent advancements in multifunctional hydrogels for diabetic wound care.
• To discuss emerging directions for next-generation diabetic wound therapies.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review approach was employed.
• Synthesis of information on diabetic wound pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
• Analysis of multifunctional hydrogels' classification, design, mechanisms, and translational potential.

Main Results:

• Multifunctional hydrogels demonstrate significant potential in actively remodeling the diabetic wound microenvironment.
• Recent advances include intelligent systems, interdisciplinary convergence, and integration of traditional Chinese medicine components.
• These hydrogels offer tunable properties and integrated therapeutic functions for enhanced wound healing.

Conclusions:

• Multifunctional hydrogels represent a paradigm shift from passive wound coverage to active microenvironment remodeling.
• Future therapies will likely involve intelligent closed-loop systems and interdisciplinary technological integration.
• These advancements pave the way for precision and personalized therapeutic approaches in diabetic wound care.