Recent progress of antibacterial hydrogels in wound dressings

Hydrogels are essential biomaterials due to their favorable biocompatibility, mechanical properties similar to human soft tissue extracellular matrix, and tissue repair properties. In skin wound repair, hydrogels with antibacterial functions are especially suitable for dressing applications, so novel antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings have attracted widespread attention, including the design of components, optimization of preparation methods, strategies to reduce bacterial resistance, etc. In this review, we discuss the fabrication of antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings and the challenges associated with the crosslinking methods and chemistry of the materials. We have investigated the advantages and limitations (antibacterial effects and antibacterial mechanisms) of different antibacterial components in the hydrogels to achieve good antibacterial properties, and the response of hydrogels to stimuli such as light, sound, and electricity to reduce bacterial resistance. Conclusively, we provide a systematic summary of antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings findings (crosslinking methods, antibacterial components, antibacterial methods) and an outlook on long-lasting antibacterial effects, a broader antibacterial spectrum, diversified hydrogel forms, and the future development prospects of the field.

Automated summary

This review discusses the fabrication of antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings and the challenges associated with crosslinking methods and material chemistry. Various antibacterial components have been investigated and incorporated into hydrogels, along with the use of stimuli such as light, sound, and electricity to reduce bacterial resistance. The review provides a systematic summary of recent findings in antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings, and presents future perspectives on achieving long-lasting antibacterial effects, a broader antibacterial spectrum, diversified hydrogel forms, and the development prospects of the field.