Mechanically Active Contractile Hydrogels for Skin Wound Repair

The document reviews the development and application of mechanically active contractile hydrogels for skin wound repair, emphasizing their ability to generate mechanical forces that aid in wound closure. These hydrogels, which include temperature-responsive, pH-regulated, and other contraction mechanisms, actively promote wound healing by reducing wound size, enhancing tissue regeneration, and modulating cellular responses. They demonstrate significant wound closure rates, reduced scar formation, and improved healing outcomes in various wound models, including acute, chronic, and surgical wounds. Challenges such as biosafety, force transmission, and clinical translatability are discussed, with future research focusing on optimizing hydrogel performance and integrating advanced technologies for personalized wound care.