Innervated Biomaterials for Improved Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Review of Recent Advancements and Future Prospects

This review discusses the importance of innervation in cutaneous wound healing, particularly for chronic and large-scale injuries where sensory reinnervation is often inadequate. It highlights recent advancements in biomaterial strategies that integrate neuroregenerative capabilities, such as electroconductive scaffolds, neurotrophic factor-releasing matrices, and bioengineered constructs. These materials promote axonal regrowth, macrophage polarization, and vascular network formation, addressing the gap between neural and cutaneous regeneration. The review emphasizes the need for standardized neuroregenerative assessment criteria and clinically translatable designs to develop next-generation wound therapies that restore both structural integrity and sensory function.