New Perspectives of Hydrogels in Chronic Wound Management
Adina Alberts, Andreea Gabriela Bratu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Abstract
Chronic wounds pose a substantial healthcare concern due to their prevalence and cost burden. This paper presents a detailed overview of chronic wounds and emphasizes the critical need for novel therapeutic solutions. The pathophysiology of wound healing is discussed, including the healing stages and the factors contributing to chronicity. The focus is on diverse types of chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot necrosis, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers, highlighting their etiology, consequences, and the therapeutic issues they provide. Further, modern wound care solutions, particularly hydrogels, are highlighted for tackling the challenges of chronic wound management. Hydrogels are characterized as multipurpose materials that possess vital characteristics like the capacity to retain moisture, biocompatibility, and the incorporation of active drugs. Hydrogels' effectiveness in therapeutic applications is demonstrated by how they support healing, including preserving ideal moisture levels, promoting cellular migration, and possessing antibacterial properties. Thus, this paper presents hydrogel technology's latest developments, emphasizing drug-loaded and stimuli-responsive types and underscoring how these advanced formulations greatly improve therapy outcomes by enabling dynamic and focused reactions to the wound environment. Future directions for hydrogel research promote the development of customized hydrogel treatments and the incorporation of digital health tools to improve the treatment of chronic wounds.