Intelligent design and medical applications of antimicrobial hydrogels

Hydrogels are one of the suitable biomaterials for drug delivery in the field of antimicrobial. The practical application of conventional hydrogel is confined because of its poor mechanical strength, single function and insensitivity to external stimuli, which leads to slow wound healing and infection. In this context, the fabrication of antimicrobial intelligent hydrogels for biomedical applications that provide cell adhesion and proliferation has attracted extensive attention. In this review, studies from the previous decade were reviewed, and the intelligent hydrogels for antimicrobial were summarized according to different components, different antimicrobial mechanisms and different types. Finally, the conclusion and prospects of antimicrobial intelligent hydrogels are discussed.

Automated summary

Hydrogels are biomaterials suitable for drug delivery in antimicrobial applications. However, their practical use is limited due to poor mechanical strength, single function, and insensitivity to external stimuli. Therefore, the development of antimicrobial intelligent hydrogels that provide cell adhesion and proliferation has received extensive attention. This review summarizes studies on intelligent hydrogels for antimicrobial purposes based on different components, antimicrobial mechanisms, and types. The conclusion and prospects of antimicrobial intelligent hydrogels are also discussed.