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Review
. 2025 Apr;16(4):349-363.
doi: 10.1080/20415990.2025.2457928. Epub 2025 Jan 27.

Naturally derived hydrogels for wound healing

Duy Toan Pham  1 , Ngo Thi Ngoc Thuy  2 , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao  2 , Le Thi Nhi  3 , Bui Thi Phuong Thuy  4
Affiliations
Review

Naturally derived hydrogels for wound healing

Duy Toan Pham et al. Ther Deliv. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Natural hydrogels have garnered increasing attention due to their natural origins and beneficial roles in wound healing. Hydrogel water-retaining capacity and excellent biocompatibility create an ideal moist environment for wound healing, thereby enhancing cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. For this reason, naturally derived hydrogels formulated from biomaterials such as chitosan, alginate, gelatin, and fibroin are highly promising due to their biodegradability and low immunogenic responses. Recent integrated approaches to utilizing new technologies with bioactive agents have significantly improved the mechanical properties of hydrogels and the controlled release and delivery of active compounds, thereby increasing the efficiency of the treatment processes. Herein, this review highlights the advantages and the challenges of natural hydrogels in wound healing, focusing on their mechanical strength, controlled degradation rates, safety and efficiency validation, and the potential for incorporating advanced technologies such as tissue engineering and gene therapy for utilization in personalized medicine.

Keywords: Natural hydrogels; alginate; chitosan; fibroin; gelatin; wound healing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

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