Advances in Smart Hydrogels for the Management of Diabetic Wound

Abstract

Diabetic wounds pose a serious problem for healthcare systems around the world due to their prolonged healing process, high infection risk, and potential complications, including chronic wounds and lower limb amputations. Conventional wound care strategies often fail to provide optimal healing due to the complex pathophysiology of diabetic wounds. Hydrogels, particularly smart hydrogels, have shown promise as biomaterials in diabetic wound management because of their capacity to provide a moist environment, enhance tissue regeneration, and enable controlled drug release. Smart hydrogels are networks of three-dimensional polymers that may respond to internal and external stimuli, allowing for targeted and sustained drug delivery. These hydrogels exhibit sensitivity to various physiological and environmental factors, including pH, temperature, redox conditions, biomolecules, and external stimuli such as light and electric fields. Smart hydrogels also help mitigate oxidative stress and promote cell proliferation, contributing to effective wound healing in diabetic patients. Advances in hydrogel technology have further improved their functionality, making them adaptable for use as wound dressings, scaffolds for tissue regeneration, and drug delivery platforms.

This review explores the latest advancements in smart hydrogels, their mechanisms of action, and the applications in diabetic wound treatment. Special attention is given to stimuli-responsive hydrogels that adapt to the wound microenvironment, promoting efficient healing while minimizing adverse effects. With their ability to enhance drug bioavailability, improve patient adherence, and facilitate personalized treatment strategies, smart hydrogels represent a transformative approach in diabetic wound care. Further investigation and clinical studies are essential for optimize their performance and expand their clinical applications for better patient outcomes.