Electrically Conductive Hydrogels for Wound Healing.

Abstract

Significance: Wound healing is a complex, tightly regulated process involving a range of enzymes, growth factors, and cytokines that coordinate cellular activities essential for tissue repair and wound closure. However, in cases of extensive or severe injury, the intrinsic repair mechanisms are often insufficient, underscoring the need for advanced therapeutic strategies to accelerate healing and minimize scar formation. Recent Advances: Electrically conductive hydrogels (ECHs), combining the advantageous properties of hydrogels with the physiological and electrochemical characteristics of conductive materials, present a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional electrode-based electrical stimulation (ES) for treating chronic and nonhealing wounds. This review summarizes the various types of ECHs and their functional roles in facilitating wound healing. Critical Issues: Understanding the mechanisms by which ECHs interact with electrical signals in the skin, along with precise control of the synergy between these signals and other functional properties, is critical for achieving optimal wound healing outcomes. Future Directions: Future development of ECHs should focus on elucidating underlying mechanisms, standardizing ES parameters, validating efficacy in clinically relevant animal models, and integrating multifunctional systems. Additionally, material design must be optimized for biocompatibility, adaptability, and scalability to facilitate clinical translation in chronic and nonhealing wound treatment.