Hydrogel Combined with Phototherapy in Wound Healing

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex biological process that involves tissue regeneration. Traditional wound dressings are dry, cannot provide a moist environment for wound healing, and do not have high antibacterial properties. Hydrogels, which are capable of retaining large amounts of water, can create a moist healing environment. Currently, phototherapies have exhibited a high potential for the treatment of bacterial infections. Therefore, combining hydrogels with phototherapy can adequately overcome the shortcomings of traditional wound treatment methods and show great potential for wound healing owing to their high efficiency, low irritation, and good antibacterial performance. In this review, the application of hydrogels combined with phototherapy in wound healing is summarized. First, the basic principles of photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy are briefly introduced. In addition, the progress of the application of hydrogel combined with phototherapy in wound healing is systematically investigated. Finally, the challenges and prospects of combining hydrogel with phototherapy in wound healing are discussed.

Progress of Research in In Situ Smart Hydrogels for Local Antitumor Therapy: A Review

“…Photothermal agents generate heat through absorbing and emitting electromagnetic radiation, and then increase the temperature of the system, inducing the phase transition of thermoresponsive hydrogels. Various inorganic and organic photothermal agents have been discovered and studied in recent years, including carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene (GE) and other carbon nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, porphyrins, cyanines and polydopamine [ 69 , 70 ]. The maximum absorption wavelength of these phototermal agents is mainly in the range of NIR, though this is affected by the materials and surface modifications.…”

Metal-coordination synthesis of a natural injectable photoactive hydrogel with antibacterial and blood-aggregating functions for cancer thermotherapy and mild-heating wound repair

“…However, photoactive nanomaterials that are loaded inside the hydrogels for cancer PTT can be used to locally enhance the temperature to 40 °C for the acceleration of tissue regeneration by the thermal induction of cell proliferation and angiogenesis. 43,44 This concept allows combined cancer therapy and tissue regeneration using a single injectable hydrogel by the adjustment of laser power to control the temperature in therapy and regenerative phases. In addition, PTT can lead to irreversible mem-brane destruction of bacterial cells and reduce the risk of infection.…”

Current Progress and Outlook of Nano-Based Hydrogel Dressings for Wound Healing

“…Wound dressings can cover a wound to provide a temporary barrier against infection and prevent tissue dehydration, facilitating a suitable healing environment for the wound. Traditional dressings, such as gauze, cotton pads, and bandages, are widely used in clinical practice because they are inexpensive and easy to use [ 9 , 10 ]. However, they are often too dry and cannot provide an ideal healing environment for wounds.…”