Advances in hydrogels combined with photothermal/photodynamic therapy for bacterial infection

Photoresponsive antimicrobial materials have emerged as critical biomaterials, celebrated for their remarkable efficacy in combating bacterial infections. Hydrogels, which consist of three-dimensional polymeric networks formed through physical interactions or covalent bonds, serve as an ideal platform for such applications. Recently, hydrogels with photoresponsive antimicrobial properties have garnered substantial attention in the field of infection control. These advanced hydrogels exhibit diverse and advantageous features, including exceptional water swelling capacity, superior oxygen permeability, high biocompatibility, facile drug loading and release capabilities, and structural versatility. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the structures, properties, mechanisms of action, and drug delivery profiles of photoresponsive antimicrobial hydrogels. Furthermore, we discuss their potential biomedical and clinical applications and offer perspectives on future research directions in this rapidly evolving domain.