Polysaccharide-Based Polymers for Designing Thermoresponsive Hydrogels for Treating Wound Healing

Thermoresponsive hydrogels have been extensively investigated for biological applications, particularly in wound healing due to their capacity to undergo phase transitions in response to temperature changes. Natural polymers have been identified as promising candidates for hydrogel synthesis owing to their intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and hydrophilicity. In this review, the critical role of natural polymers in the development of thermoresponsive hydrogels for wound healing applications is highlighted. Wound healing is recognized as a complex, multiphase process that necessitates an optimal microenvironment to facilitate tissue regeneration while minimizing inflammation and infection. Natural polymers such as chitosan, gelatin, agarose, and cellulose derivatives have been considered ideal for wound dressings, as they provide favorable conditions for cellular adhesion and proliferation. The physicochemical properties of natural polymers, including their thermoresponsive behaviors governed by phase transition temperatures, such as the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) and Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST), along with their gelation mechanisms, are discussed. Recent advancements in natural polymers with enhanced thermoresponsive characteristics are examined for their improved therapeutic outcomes. To address limitations in mechanical strength and response performance, various formulation strategies, including physical and chemical cross-linking, as well as hybrid systems incorporating synthetic polymers, have been explored. Applications in wound care, such as controlled drug delivery systems and smart dressing technologies, are reviewed in detail. Finally, the challenges and future directions for clinical translation of these systems are considered. This comprehensive review underscores the potential of natural polymer-based thermoresponsive hydrogels as intelligent, bioactive platforms for accelerating wound healing and advancing regenerative medical therapies.