International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2025, Vol.15, No.5, 214-223 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 217 extracellular matrix (ECM). These materials can support cell adhesion, proliferation and migration, and are the basis of tissue regeneration. For instance, chitosan has antibacterial and hemostatic effects, hyaluronic acid can prevent adhesion and maintain elasticity, collagen can simulate ECM and remain moist, promoting repair. These natural polymers can be made into hydrogels, sponges, films or nanofibers, and bioactive molecules, growth factors or antibacterial agents can be added to further enhance the healing effect (Figure 1) (Feng et al., 2021; Ribeiro et al., 2024). Figure 1 Hemostatic effect of chitosan on skin wound which occurs at the first stage of wound healing (Adopted from Feng et al., 2021) Image caption: (A) Chitosan enhances the expression of GPIIb-IIIa from platelet. And, positively charged chitosan can interact with negatively charged molecules on the activated platelets, promoting platelet aggregation; (B) Erythrocytes aggregate via the interaction between positively charged chitosan and negatively charged molecules on erythrocyte surface. And, chitosan accelerates the formation of fibrin clots by forming a 3D network to capture erythrocytes (black arrows point chitosan); (C) Chitosan plays a hemostatic role by inhibiting fibrinolysis Although natural polymer dressings have many advantages, they also have disadvantages, such as relatively fast degradation, poor mechanical strength, poor transparency or poor adhesion (Ribeiro et al., 2024). Recent studies have mainly focused on blending natural polymers with other materials, or using technologies such as 3D printing and electrospinning to produce dressings with multiple functions, self-repairing capabilities and reactive effects, in order to better meet the therapeutic needs of chronic wounds (Yuan et al., 2023). Meanwhile, researchers are also attempting to combine natural polymers with nanoparticles or bioactive ingredients to enhance the antibacterial effect and accelerate wound healing (Anand et al., 2024). 4.2 Synthetic and composite materials Synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have received much attention due to their adjustable mechanical properties, good stability, and controllable degradation rate (Ribeiro et al., 2024). These materials can be made into different structures and functions according to requirements, such as higher strength, elasticity and moisturizing effect,
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