COL, a versatile biopolymer available in diverse configurations, can be strategically integrated with growth factors, pharmacological agents, or antimicrobial compounds to augment wound repair processes [
36,
41]. A notable advancement in this domain is the development of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-loaded polydopamine-modified COL-hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffolds (EGF-loaded CHS-PDA) by Wang
et al., engineered for the repair of diabetic cutaneous lesions. These scaffolds demonstrate exceptional mechanical resilience, biocompatibility, and structural coherence, while enabling sustained EGF release and promoting cellular proliferation, coagulation, and ROS detoxification [
42]. Although supplementary incorporation of VEGF, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), and PDGF represent viable strategies, COL-based biomaterials may encounter limitations in effectively addressing tissue fluid exudation, inflammatory responses, and infection risks. To circumvent these challenges, the incorporation of rare-earth elements such as praseodymium-cobaltite into COL matrices has shown promise in enhancing angiogenic potential and guiding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation towards endothelial lineages [
43]. Parallel innovations in COL crosslinking methodologies have further advanced the field, as exemplified by the research of Zhe
et al [
44]. This work emphasizes the optimization of COL casing crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GTA) through precise pH modulation to induce the formation of conjugated structural motifs. Under mild alkaline conditions (pH 8–10), GTA undergoes accelerated polymerization, resulting in the generation of conjugated structures such as -C = C—C = O and -N = C—C = C-. These structural modifications not only elevate crosslinking efficiency but also confer enhanced mechanical robustness, thermal stability, and a reduced swelling ratio to COL films. Of clinical relevance, the minimized swelling ratio of such crosslinked COL under the specific pH environment of DFUs enables superior management of wound exudates, thereby maintaining an optimal moisture balance conducive to healing. Li
et al. [
45] engineered an injectable COL/chitosan (CTS)/genipin hydrogel system, further augmented with phycocyanin nanoparticles and ND-336, tailored for the specific demands of diabetic wound management. This hydrogel formulation was designed to overcome several inherent limitations associated with COL, namely its suboptimal mechanical robustness, rapid biodegradation, and insufficient antimicrobial efficacy. The strategic incorporation of genipin, a naturally derived crosslinker, not only mitigated cytotoxicity concerns but also enhanced the overall biocompatibility of the hydrogel matrix. Preclinical evaluations of this hydrogel demonstrated significant potential in facilitating fibroblast migration, suppressing the expression of MMP-9, a key mediator of ECM degradation, and ultimately accelerating wound closure rates. These findings collectively underscore the hydrogel’s promise as a multifaceted therapeutic platform addressing critical challenges in diabetic wound care.