Multifunctional Photoactive Hydrogels for Wound Healing Acceleration

The document discusses the use of multifunctional photoresponsive hydrogels (MPRHs) in wound healing and prevention of infection. These hydrogels combine the benefits of light-based therapies, photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), with the biochemical advantages of hydrogels. Various types of MPRHs are prepared using different photosensitizers, photothermal agents (PHTAs) like transition metal sulfide/oxides nanomaterials, metal nanostructure-based PHTAs, carbon-based PHTAs, conjugated polymer or complex-based PHTAs, and photodynamic agents (PHDAs) such as ZnO-based, black-phosphorus-based, TiO2-based, and small organic molecule-based PHDAs. These therapies can alter the microenvironments of bacteria to prevent infection. The document also discusses the challenges and future research directions in the field of MPRHs and their application in wound management.