Next-generation bioactive polymeric patches for chronic wound healing: from advanced architectures to translational challenges

Abstract

Chronic wounds remain a major healthcare challenge worldwide, particularly among ageing populations and patients with diabetes, vascular disorders, and other chronic diseases. Conventional wound dressings primarily serve as passive barriers and often fail to address the complex biological processes required for effective tissue repair. Biomaterial-based polymeric patches have emerged as advanced wound-healing platforms that combine structural support, controlled therapeutic delivery, and regenerative functions. This review critically examines the key determinants governing biomaterial selection, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical integrity, regenerative efficacy, polymer origin, and the incorporation of bioactive secondary metabolites. Recent advances in hydrogel-based systems, electrospun nanofiber scaffolds, microneedle arrays, smart responsive patches, and multilayered composite dressings are discussed with emphasis on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic performance, advantages, limitations, and clinical relevance. Emerging clinical evidence is also evaluated to assess the current status of translational progress. Furthermore, this review highlights critical barriers limiting successful clinical implementation, including manufacturing scalability, product standardization, regulatory approval pathways, cost-effectiveness, and the lack of large-scale clinical validation. By integrating advances in material design with translational and clinical considerations, this review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the opportunities and challenges of developing and clinically adopting polymeric wound patches for advanced wound care.