Recent advances in natural polymer based hydrogels for wound healing applications

Wound healing is a multi-stage event, generally accompanied by various processes. This process is however, hampered by microbial infection at the site of the injury. The excessive and direct use of antibiotics has led to the increased resistance towards the drugs, posing a substantial risk to human health. Recently, natural polymeric hydrogels have gained considerable attention as an efficient wound dressing material, due to their biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic nature. These materials possess the tendency to show efficient and sustained release of antimicrobial agents to the wound site. Moreover, the natural polymeric hydrogels can provide a moist environment to the defected site, which is necessary for the effective and rapid healing of the various types of wounds. This chapter first summarizes the different wound healing stages and its various related parameters. The progressive function of natural polymeric hydrogel dressings like antimicrobial properties, hemostasis, adhesion, and anti-inflammatory substance delivery are discussed in this chapter. The newly developed wound examining features, and the various approaches to attain these functions are also highlighted. Moreover, the applications of natural polymer-based hydrogel as wound healing materials for the treatment of various types of wounds are also discussed in detail. Finally, the future prospects of hydrogels for wound healing applications are further proposed in this chapter.