Hydrogels are three-dimensional structures that replicate natural tissues' extracellular matrix (ECM). They are essential for transporting exudates, gases, and moisture and facilitating cellular interactions in tissue engineering and wound healing. The choice of primary material in designing the scaffold is necessary to be paid more attention rather than common sources, including plant fibres like cotton, bamboo, and algae, as well as bacterial and marine-derived materials. Among them, cellulose-based polymers are especially valued for their biocompatibility and ability to promote wound healing. Chronic diabetic wounds pose unique treatment challenges, such as necrosis and infection risks. Consequently, a growing interest is in incorporating bioactive molecules into cellulose-based hydrogels. This article investigates how these infused hydrogels enhance the healing process in chronic diabetic wounds, examining various loading and crosslinking techniques alongside their clinical applications. It also discusses the benefits and limitations of bioactive molecules and their interactions with hydrogels to improve treatment strategies.
Keywords: Cellulose-based hydrogels; bioactive molecules; chronic diabetic wounds; loading and crosslinking techniques; wound healing.
Cellulose-based hydrogels derived from natural sources, including plant fibres and marine organisms, are explored.These hydrogels significantly improve the healing of chronic diabetic wounds, especially when bioactive molecules are incorporated, effectively addressing necrosis and infection.This review evaluates various techniques for loading and cross-linking these hydrogels, discussing their current and future clinical applications, and highlighting their potential for enhanced treatment options.