Application of ultrasound and ultrasound-responsive materials in wounds: A systematic review

Wound healing is a multifaceted biological process that is highly susceptible to disruption by numerous internal and external factors, resulting in delayed tissue repair. Recent advancements have highlighted the therapeutic potential of ultrasound, especially when integrated with emerging smart materials, which together offer promising strategies for enhancing wound care outcomes. Low- and high-intensity ultrasound (US) use mechanisms such as cavitation, acoustic streaming, and radiation forces to disrupt biofilms, improve drug permeability, and promote tissue regeneration. When combined with US-responsive materials, such as scaffolds, piezoelectric composites, microbubbles, microneedles, and flexible patches, these systems enable targeted functions, including controlled drug release, antimicrobial activity, and enhanced deep tissue penetration. These responsive materials effectively overcome the limitations of conventional wound dressings, which often suffer from poor drug bioavailability, susceptibility to infection, and a lack of personalized therapeutic capabilities. This review systematically explores 5 categories of advanced materials, with a focus on their synergistic interactions with ultrasound to enhance wound healing outcomes. By elucidating the interactions between material-US and their translational implications, this review offers new perspectives to advance the clinical development of precision-based, next-generation wound therapies.