Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part G (2025)

Chronic wounds represent a significant healthcare burden globally, often characterized by delayed healing, infection, and high treatment costs. While conventional wound dressings serve primarily as protective barriers, they do not actively support the healing process or adapt to the wound microenvironment. In response to these limitations, recent innovations have led to the development of next-generation wound dressings that incorporate advanced materials, sensor technologies, and drug delivery systems. This review explores the evolving landscape of such technologies, including hydrogel composites, nanotechnology-enhanced materials, biosensor-integrated smart dressings, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Special attention is given to their mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential, and translational challenges from laboratory research to clinical implementation. Despite promising advancements, widespread adoption remains constrained by factors such as clinical evidence gaps, regulatory hurdles, cost, and usability. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration, robust clinical trials, and user-centered design will be crucial for the integration of these technologies into routine wound care.