A Review of the Most Recent Research in Collagen‐ Based Hydrogels as Dressings for Chronic Skin Wounds

Affecting millions of individuals each year, chronic wounds place a substantial strain on both the healthcare system and healthcare providers, becoming a global health issue that requires a rapid and efficient solution. Unlike acute wounds that heal naturally without any external intervention, chronic wounds necessitate a proper medical treatment in order to promote the wound healing process and avoid any arising complications. However, the traditional therapeutic strategies are often limited when it comes to treating chronic wounds, reason why new approaches that facilitate the timely and effective healing of skin have been explored. Due to their unique properties, collagen-based hydrogels have been widely investigated as potential candidates for the management of chronic wound, owing to their good biocompatibility, high water retention capacity, which provides a moist microenvironment, and capacity to promote cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and differentiation for an optimal wound repair. In this context, the current paper discusses the recent advancements in collagen-based hydrogels as wound dressings, thus highlighting their potential as a future therapeutic approach for skin chronic wound care.