A recent review published in Gels by iBB – Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences researchers provides an overview of the latest advances in self-healing and electroconductive hydrogels for wound healing applications.
These innovative biomaterials outperform conventional hydrogels by restoring their structure after damage and transmitting electrical stimuli to tissues, making them highly promising for the treatment of chronic and hard-to-heal wounds.
The review, led by PhD students Duarte Almeida and Diogo Dias under the supervision of Professors Frederico Ferreira and Teresa Esteves, highlights the benefits of combining electrical conductivity with self-healing properties: conductivity promotes tissue regeneration through bioelectrical cues, while self-healing ensures adaptation to the body’s movements and extends material durability.
The authors also discuss strategies for designing these advanced materials, the current challenges to their clinical translation, and possible future directions in the field. Overall, the work provides a roadmap for stakeholders interested in the development of next-generation wound care products.
Link to research paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080619