Emerging antimicrobial hydrogel dressings based on bacterial cellulose–chitosan composites: A review

The article reviews the latest research on antimicrobial hydrogel dressings developed from bacterial cellulose–chitosan composite materials for wound care, highlighting their potential to improve infection control and promote healing compared with traditional dressings. These hydrogels combine the moisture-retaining and biocompatible properties of hydrogels with the natural antimicrobial activity of chitosan, enabling effective prevention and management of wound infections, particularly in chronic or complicated wounds. The review discusses advances in synthesis methods, composite formulations, and antimicrobial efficacy, as well as challenges such as optimizing mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and clinical translation, and emphasizes the need for further studies to validate their performance and safety in real-world medical applications.