Biomass Hydrogel for Wound Dressings: Design, Functionalization and Application

Biomass hydrogel-based wound dressings mark a pivotal evolution in wound care, transitioning from simple protective barriers to sophisticated, multifunctional therapeutic platforms capable of actively modulating the healing microenvironment. This review summarizes the current progress in raw material selection, structural and functional design, and application of biomass hydrogels for different types of wounds. Biomacromolecules (such as polysaccharides, proteins, and polyphenols) used for synthesizing hydrogels were almost derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms. This review critically evaluates advanced functionalization strategies, including chemical modifications by incorporating functional additives such as nanoparticles, bioactive peptides, polysaccharides, and essential oils, and the development of advanced structural designs of hydrogel dressings (e.g., layered, porous, and bio-inspired architectures), emphasizing how they can be tailored for specific wound healing applications. The synergy among materials, functional additives, and structural designs empowers hydrogel dressings with broad multifunctional capabilities, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in treating wounds, including burns, diabetic ulcers, and surgical injuries. Additionally, the emerging frontiers of smart and responsive hydrogels that respond to the microenvironment for on-demand therapeutic release are highlighted, concluding with a discussion of the critical challenges for clinical translation.