Research Progress of Natural Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels in Skin Tissue Regeneration

Disorders of skin wound healing and the repair of full-thickness skin defects remain significant clinical challenges. Natural polysaccharide-based hydrogels, with their excellent biocompatibility, tunable degradability, and multifunctional properties (e.g., antibacterial, antioxidant, and pro-angiogenic), have emerged as key materials for designing wound dressings and skin tissue engineering scaffolds. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in polysaccharide hydrogels-including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and alginate-focusing on material types, crosslinking strategies, and functional modifications, with particular emphasis on their dual applications in wound healing (acute and chronic wounds) and skin tissue engineering. In wound healing, these hydrogels regulate the microenvironment through multiple mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory effects. In skin tissue engineering, their three-dimensional porous structures mimic the extracellular matrix, supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects for the clinical translation and commercialization of natural polysaccharide hydrogels.