Hydrogel wound coverings made of synthetic polymers: current status and immediate prospects

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to summarize scientific data on hydrogel wound coverings consisting of synthetic polymers, using the example of the most practically applicable carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). For successful treatment of wounds, it is necessary to create a coating that can constantly “adapt” to the changes occurring in the wound. Hydrogels are promising substances for creating an “ideal” wound covering, due to a number of unique physicochemical properties in these hydrophilic macromolecular networks. These types of coverings have high strength and ductility, which allows them to fit tightly to the uneven edge of the wound and be firmly fixed, which reduces the risk of infection while maintaining optimal air exchange. Hydrogels made from CMC and PVA are capable of prolonging the action of biologically active substances introduced into them and are transparent, which makes it possible to control wound healing, and are also biocompatible and biodegradable. Inexpensive and widely available synthetic polymers CMC and PVA are a promising basis for creating hydrogel wound coverings.