State-of-the-Art and Future Challenges of Smart Wound Dressings for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment

Abstract

The slow healing process of diabetic wound due to persisting infections in wound bed, owing to hyperglycemia, makes the search for efficient treatments pending. While it is complicated to increase the wound closure rate in diabetic-related wounds due to the complex pathology, the treatment of such wound with hydrogels is seen as a promising approach and pursued over the years. However, where is this research currently standing in terms of clinical translation of these different multifunctional and stimuli-responsive hydrogel bandages to accelerate diabetic foot ulcer healing and help to improve the life of the patients and the future of diabetic wound management? This perspective article will review some of the most important advancements in the field and will conclude with some perspectives, considered as relevant in the clinical context.