Hydrogel wound dressings for diabetic foot ulcer treatment: Status-quo, challenges, and future perspectives

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common and often debilitating complication of diabetes that can result in lower limb amputations if left untreated. Hydrogel dressings are three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers that can absorb and retain large amounts of water, and have been shown to possess excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and excellent fluid handling properties. In addition, hydrogels create a moist wound environment that promotes wound healing by supporting cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Hydrogels, therefore, have emerged as promising wound dressings for promoting DFU healing. In this review, we attempt to chart the landscape of the emerging field of hydrogel as wound dressing for DFU treatment. We will explicitly review the assorted preparation methods for DFU hydrogels as well as a detailed discussion of various types of hydrogels deployed for DFU study. We also crystallize key findings, identify remaining challenges, and present an outlook on the future development of this enticing field.