Emerging Smart Biomaterials/Devices to Accelerate Chronic Wound Healing by Modulating Wound Microenvironments

Abstract The rising number of patients with chronic wounds resulting from conditions like diabetes, infections, and surgical wounds has led to serious health crises and social burdens. Chronic wounds are associated with altered physiological factors, creating a unique microenvironment marked by elevated inflammation, alkaline pH, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Conventional occlusive wound dressing strategies cause wound debridement during the necessary evil of periodic replacement. This leads to compromised tissue integrity, local pain, and dependence on topical ointments and antibiotics. However, these treatments are inefficient in addressing the complexity of chronic wounds. To overcome these challenges, the current work explores how smart biomaterials and devices have impacted chronic wound care. This review outlines the effect of dysregulation of wound microenvironmental factors mainly ROS, inflammation, and bacterial infection and their interplay in the healing process. Thereafter the mechanism of alteration brought about by the smart biomaterials within the chronic wound microenvironment that expedite the healing are discussed.Furthermore, latest advancements in smart biomaterials and devices specifically designed for wound management, that effectively restore the ideal microenvironment are also included. The incorporation of smart materials into wound care practices can transform treatment strategies, enhancing patient recovery while improving their quality of life.