Research and functionalization of konjac glucomannan and its hydrogel in wound dressing

Abstract In the last decade, polysaccharide dressings have become a popular research area owing to their low toxicities, good biocompatibilities, and their abilities to modulate and accelerate wound healing. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a naturally occurring, neutral polysaccharide that is biocompatible and highly modifiable. In addition, KGM-based hydrogels are innovative wound dressings that effectively promote the healing of injured blood vessels and wound fibres. In this review, we summarise how KGM has been modified and used in hydrogel wound-dressing applications, starting with its material properties and gelation mechanism. We then discuss recent advances in the study of systems for enhancing KGM hydrogels and KGM hydrogel wound dressings, emphasising the special benefits of such hydrogels in terms of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, their wound-healing capabilities, as drug carriers and growth promoters, as well as their functionalisation. Finally, this paper discusses the primary obstacles and potential avenues for the advancement of wound dressings with the aim of establishing a theoretical foundation and point of reference for future research into KGM functional materials.