Photoresponsive hydrogels using phototherapy to accelerate wound healing: correlating mechanisms with clinical effects

, anti-infection, immunomodulation, angiogenesis and cell migration/proliferation). We further summarize recent advances in PRH design and explore their therapeutic roles throughout the wound-healing process (including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling), emphasizing stage-specific regulation of PRHs through tunable irradiation and microenvironment-adaptive designs. Finally, we discuss current challenges for PRHs from phototherapy-mode and clinical-translation perspectives, together with future directions. By correlating mechanisms with clinical effects, this review aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application, guiding rational PRH design for more effective wound management.