Photosensitizer-loaded hydrogels: A new antibacterial dressing

Bacterial wound infections are a global health crisis, worsened by antibiotic resistance. PS-loaded hydrogels offer a promising alternative, using PS to combat infections without antibiotics, aligning with global health goals to curb resistance. This review systematically assesses the role of PS-loaded hydrogels in bacterial wound treatment, synthesizing literature from multiple databases. It details PS design, hydrogel formulation, and integration techniques, focusing on their synergistic potential in PDT. PS-loaded hydrogels show robust antibacterial activity and overcome PS limitations, with hydrogels enhancing PDT efficacy, offering targeted treatment and real-time imaging. PS-loaded hydrogel dressings are a strategic approach to bacterial infections, particularly in wounds. They reduce PS dosage, lower resistance risks, and mitigate phototoxicity. A decade of development positions them as a mature alternative in bacterial treatment, with promising clinical prospects.