Research progress of antibacterial hydrogels in diabetic wound infection

Chronic wound infections in diabetes present significant clinical challenges due to their complex pathological microenvironment. Intelligent hydrogel dressings, with their three-dimensional network structure and high designability of functions, provide an innovative solution for diabetic wound management. This review systematically elaborates on the latest research progress of antibacterial hydrogels. Firstly, it outlines the pathological basis of diabetic wounds, then focuses on discussing natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and further analyzes the evolutionary context of composite intelligent hydrogels-specifically the systematic treatment strategies ranging from stimulus responsiveness, temporal control to multi-functional synergy-while emphasizing the design for their clinical applicability. Furthermore, it summarizes the comprehensive advantages of such dressings in infection control, immune regulation, and promotion of tissue regeneration, and discusses the potential challenges and prospects in the future, thereby providing certain references for the research and development of the next-generation intelligent dressings.