Harnessing Polymeric Xerogels for Enhanced Wound Care: Properties, Mechanisms, and Applications

Abstract

Wounds significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, necessitating a tailored approach to treatment based on the wound’s stage of healing and condition. Exudate plays a natural role in recovery, but excessive amounts can complicate wound management, creating a need for advanced therapeutic solutions. Consequently, there is an ongoing demand for advanced therapeutic solutions and innovative wound care devices. Xerogels are gaining recognition as promising materials in wound healing therapeutics due to their unique properties and multifunctional applications. These nanoporous materials, characterized by their large surface area and biocompatibility, can be engineered using various polymers to enhance their effectiveness for specific wound care applications. Their ability to support clot formation and promote tissue regeneration makes them particularly valuable for addressing exudative and chronic wounds. This review offers an in-depth examination of emerging research on xerogels in wound treatment, assessing the current landscape and identifying potential applications of xerogels in various forms including films, grafts, scaffolds, and particles. Additionally, we explore various mechanisms of polymer-based xerogel function and summarize recent patents related to this innovative technology. As research in this area progresses, xerogels utilizing different polymers offer advanced solutions for future wound care therapies.