Hydrogel-Based Smart Materials for Wound Healing and Sensing

Abstract

Recent advancements in hydrogel-based flexible materials have revolutionized wound healing and monitoring strategies. These materials offer promising solutions for medical treatment and real-time diagnostics. Their rich water content, biocompatibility, and tunable properties closely mimic the natural extracellular matrix, supporting wound regeneration. Unlike traditional wound healing materials, hydrogel-based systems address critical issues such as material stability and toxicity while integrating advanced monitoring devices. This review highlights the latest innovations in hydrogel-based wound healing materials. It focuses on flexibility, biocompatibility, and potential for integration with smart monitoring systems. The review covers design principles and fabrication techniques for hydrogel-based nanofibers, elastomers, and conducting polymers. It also discusses the development of electronic skin and innovative wound dressings. In addition, the review explains how sensing capabilities, stimuli-responsive functions, and antibacterial agents are incorporated into these materials. Finally, the article examines challenges and future directions in the field. It emphasizes the transformative potential of multifunctional hydrogel-based materials for improving wound healing and continuous monitoring. © 2025 The Author(s). Aggregate published by SCUT, AIEI and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.