# Wound Dressing Materials: Bridging Material Science and Clinical Practice
## 3 Materials
Bacterial-cellulose-based dressings support cell adhesion and proliferation while maintaining an ideal wound environment for tissue regeneration [54; 55]. Chitosan, derived from chitin found in crustacean shells, exhibits antimicrobial, hemostatic, and bioactive properties that promote wound healing. Its ability to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and modulate inflammatory responses makes it an excellent candidate for wound dressing applications. Additionally, chitosan-based dressings can be functionalized with antimicrobial agents to enhance infection control [56; 57]. Collagen is a primary structural protein in the extracellular matrix and plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. Collagen-based wound dressings support fibroblast adhesion, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These dressings are particularly beneficial for chronic and non-healing wounds, as they help reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration [58; 59; 60; 61]. Dextran is a bioactive polysaccharide that contributes to wound healing by enhancing hydration and forming a protective barrier against bacterial infections. It is often used in combination with other biopolymers to create advanced wound dressings that provide controlled drug release and enhanced healing effects [62]. Gelatin, a denatured form of collagen, is widely used in wound dressings due to its biocompatibility and ability to form hydrogels. Gelatin-based dressings provide a moist environment, promote cell migration, and can be loaded with bioactive agents such as growth factors to enhance tissue regeneration [63]. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that plays a vital role in tissue hydration, cell proliferation, and wound healing. Hyaluronic-acid-based wound dressings support angiogenesis, fibroblast migration, and inflammation modulation, making them suitable for treating burns, ulcers, and surgical wounds [64]. Silk fibroin, derived from silkworm cocoons, is a promising biopolymer for wound dressing applications due to its biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and controlled biodegradation. Silk-fibroin-based dressings provide a supportive matrix for cell attachment and proliferation while ensuring a balanced moisture level to accelerate wound healing [65; 66; 67; 68]. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Polymer** & **Chemical Synthesis** & **Reference** \\ \hline Poly(lactic-co-glycol) & The blending of polylactic acid with polyglycolic acid is produced either through & \\ acid & the hydration and carbonylation of formaldehyde using H\({}_{2}\)SO\({}_{4}\) as a catalyst or via & [69; 70] \\  & the pyrolysis of renewable materials & \\ \hline Polyethylene glycol & Condensation of ethylene oxide and water & [71] \\ \hline Poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone & High-pressure free-radical polymerization & [72] \\ \hline Polyurethane & Produced through the polyaddition reaction between polyols (compounds with & \\  & hydroxyl groups) and isocyanates, facilitated by a chain exender and a catalyst & [73] \\ \hline Polyvinyl alcohol & Hydrolysis, aminolysis, or alcohols of vinyl acetate & [74] \\ \hline Poly-\(\varepsilon\)-caprolactone & Ring-opening polymerization of \(\varepsilon\)-caprolactone & [70] \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 4: Key methods used for the chemical synthesis of synthetic polymers. Figure 2 represents the chemical structure of some natural polymers used in wound dressings. Poly(lactic-co-glycol) acid (PLGA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible copolymer widely used in wound dressings for controlled drug release and tissue engineering. Its degradation rate can be tuned by adjusting the lactic acid to glycolic acid ratio, allowing for customizable therapeutic applications. PLGA-based dressings are often combined with bioactive agents such as antibiotics and growth factors to enhance wound healing [69; 70]. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a hydrophilic polymer known for its excellent biocompatibility and ability to form hydrogels.