Antimicrobial Natural Hydrogels in Biomedicine: Properties, Applications, and Challenges—A Concise Review

Abstract

Natural hydrogels are widely used as biomedical materials in many areas, including drug delivery, tissue scaffolds, and particularly wound dressings, where they can act as an antimicrobial factor lowering the risk of microbial infections, which are serious health problems, especially with respect to wound healing. In this review article, a number of promising strategies in the development of hydrogels with biocidal properties, particularly those originating from natural polymers, are briefly summarized and concisely discussed. Common strategies to design and fabricate hydrogels with intrinsic or stimuli-triggered antibacterial activity are exemplified, and the mechanisms lying behind these properties are also discussed. Finally, practical antibacterial applications are also considered while discussing the current challenges and perspectives.

Nanoparticles incorporated hydrogels for delivery of antimicrobial agents: developments and trends

“…Metal nanoparticles such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), zinc oxide (ZnO), and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) have been shown to exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 24,167,168 Hydrogels, on the other hand, have unique properties such as high water content, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which make them suitable for biomedical applications. Hydrogels encapsulating metal nanoparticles can be prepared using various methods, including physical mixing, in situ synthesis, and surface modi-cation.…”

Multifunctional antibacterial hydrogels for chronic wound management

“…Common sources include honey, green tea, turmeric, and seaweed. 99 These extracts are characterised by low toxicity and excellent bactericidal properties. The broad-spectrum bactericidal properties of honey aid in preventing wound infections and promoting epithelial cell proliferation while reducing oedema around wounds.…”

“…106 Green tea, chrysanthemum, hesperidin, Periplaneta americana extract, and plant essential oils have similar anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. 99 Nevertheless, their application for chronic wounds is restricted by poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and short action time. Currently, combining extracts and hydrogel scaffolds is a promising antibacterial strategy.…”

Advanced polymer hydrogels that promote diabetic ulcer healing: mechanisms, classifications, and medical applications

“…Hydrogels are a new type of functional polymer material that are widely used in the biomedical field because of their high water content, fast swelling rate and good biocompatibility [ 108 ]. According to the material used for their synthesis, hydrogels can be classified as natural hydrogels and synthetic hydrogels [ 109 ], with natural hydrogels being divided according to substrate: chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), alginate, gelatin, cellulose, etc.…”