Review of Research in Developing Hydrogels with Insulin to Promote Wound Healing

Abstract

Insulin affects wound healing by reducing inflammation, regulating oxidative reactions, and increasing collagen deposition. Despite the many benefits of insulin, there is still no topical product for insulin delivery through the skin on the market. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the development of a hydrogel formulation of insulin to promote wound healing. An analysis of papers published between 2000 and 2022 was carried out. Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were used. Hydrogels may provide a starting point for developing new products or improving the efficacy of designed epidermal forms of insulin. The hydrogels used allow efficient delivery of the peptide into the wound environment.

Keywords

• hydrogel
• polymers
• insulin
• topical
• diabetic ulcers
• wound healing