Wound healing based on polysaccharide-metal composites: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue regeneration

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that occurs across multiple biological scales. However, challenges such as infection, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation frequently result in stagnation of the healing process. Polysaccharide-metal composites represent an innovative class of "microenvironment engineering platforms" that address the limitations inherent in traditional passive therapies. These materials effectively integrate the immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides with the catalytic functions of metals. These composites utilize pH, ROS, and enzyme-triggered intelligent responses for precise, controlled therapy. They offer dynamic antibacterial action, ROS modulation, immune reprogramming, and ECM reconstruction, aiding the transition of wounds from pathological to regenerative healing. Clinically, while metal-based dressings like those containing silver are used for infection control, their application is mostly restricted to short-term use because of worries about cytotoxicity and inadequate management of long-term therapeutic results. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the chemical architecture, mechanisms of action, and smart response properties of these composites. Simultaneously, we examine key challenges such as the optimal metal dosage range, in vivo degradation pathways, and adherence to clinical standards. Additionally, we examined emerging strategies, including mechanism-driven design, the implementation of digital twins, and AI-assisted optimization, as potential directions for future development. Our objective is to develop a programmable, personalized smart regenerative system, thereby establishing a new paradigm in precision regenerative medicine.