Multifunctional hydrogels: Therapeutic strategies and advances in inflammation

• Detailed research progress in the field of inflammation therapy based on hydrogels with different mechanisms is present. • Physicochemical properties required for the development of functional hydrogels for inflammation therapy are described. • The multiple therapeutic approaches of hydrogels for inflammation are summarized. • The challenges and prospects of multifunctional hydrogels for the treatment of inflammation were discussed. The inflammatory response is pivotal in the progression of various diseases, typically characterized by aberrant inflammation. While conventional treatments can mitigate inflammation to some degree, their therapeutic efficacy remains limited. Given the pathological complexity and clinical challenges of inflammatory diseases, there is an urgent need for novel precision modulation strategies. In recent years, hydrogels have demonstrated significant potential in inflammation management owing to their distinctive physicochemical attributes. This review systematically explores the multidimensional therapeutic strategies of hydrogel, including microenvironment-responsive targeted delivery, inflammation-regulating tissue-engineered scaffolds, immunomodulation, and smart anti-inflammatory dressings. By analyzing the pathological features of different inflammatory diseases, we elucidate the relationship between the physicochemical properties of functional hydrogels and their therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, we summarize recent advances in hydrogel-based inflammation therapies and discuss emerging trends in multimodal synergistic approaches. In conclusion, this review aims to advance the development of functional hydrogels for inflammation therapy by aligning their structural properties with therapeutic requirements, while addressing key challenges in delivery efficiency and long-term safety for clinical translation.