10 April 2024 | Lidia Maeso, Pablo Edmundo Antezana, Ailen Gala Hvozda Arana, Pablo Andrés Evelson, Gorka Orive, Martín Federico Desimone
This review discusses the use of hydrogels for antioxidant delivery in skin wound healing. Chronic wounds, which fail to heal within three months, are a significant global health issue, affecting millions of people. Oxidative stress, caused by reactive oxygen species, impairs wound healing by damaging cellular components, delaying inflammation, and inhibiting blood vessel formation. Antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress, are increasingly being explored for their role in wound healing. Hydrogels, with their 3D structure, biocompatibility, and ability to provide a moist environment, are ideal for delivering antioxidants to promote tissue regeneration. Natural polymers like collagen, alginate, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, and gelatin, as well as synthetic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(lactic acid), are being used to create hydrogels that can release antioxidants. These hydrogels offer sustained and efficient delivery of antioxidants, enhancing wound healing and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The review highlights the latest advances in using natural polymers with antioxidants to create tissue regeneration microenvironments for skin wound healing.This review discusses the use of hydrogels for antioxidant delivery in skin wound healing. Chronic wounds, which fail to heal within three months, are a significant global health issue, affecting millions of people. Oxidative stress, caused by reactive oxygen species, impairs wound healing by damaging cellular components, delaying inflammation, and inhibiting blood vessel formation. Antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress, are increasingly being explored for their role in wound healing. Hydrogels, with their 3D structure, biocompatibility, and ability to provide a moist environment, are ideal for delivering antioxidants to promote tissue regeneration. Natural polymers like collagen, alginate, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, and gelatin, as well as synthetic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(lactic acid), are being used to create hydrogels that can release antioxidants. These hydrogels offer sustained and efficient delivery of antioxidants, enhancing wound healing and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. The review highlights the latest advances in using natural polymers with antioxidants to create tissue regeneration microenvironments for skin wound healing.