Drug delivery systems and materials for wound healing applications

Advancing burn wound treatment: exploring hydrogel as a transdermal drug delivery system

Burn injuries are prevalent and life-threatening forms that contribute significantly to mortality rates due to associated wound infections. The management of burn wounds presents substantial challenges. Hydrogel exhibits tremendous potential as an ideal alternative to traditional wound dressings such as gauze. This is primarily attributed to its three-dimensional (3D) crosslinked polymer network, which possesses a high water content, fostering a moist environment that supports effective burn wound healing. Additionally, hydrogel facilitates the penetration of loaded therapeutic agents throughout the wound surface, combating burn wound pathogens through the hydration effect and thereby enhancing the healing process. However, the presence of eschar formation on burn wounds obstructs the passive diffusion of therapeutics, impairing the efficacy of hydrogel as a wound dressing, particularly in cases of severe burns involving deeper tissue damage. This review focuses on exploring the potential of hydrogel as a carrier for transdermal drug delivery in burn wound treatment. Furthermore, strategies aimed at enhancing the transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents from hydrogel to optimize burn wound healing are also discussed.

Chitosan-based injectable hydrogel with multifunction for wound healing: A critical review

Different types of clinical wounds are difficult to treat while infected by bacteria. Wound repair involves multiple cellular and molecular interactions, which is a complicated process. However, wound repair often suffers from abnormal cellular functions or pathways that result in unavoidable side effects, so there is an urgent need for a material that can heal wounds quickly and with few side effects. Based on these needs, hydrogels with injectable properties have been confirmed to be able to undergo self-healing, which provides favorable conditions for wound healing. Notably, as a biopolymer with excellent easy-to-modify properties from a wide range of natural sources, chitosan can be used to prepare injectable hydrogel with multifunction for wound healing because of its outstanding flowability and injectability. Especially, chitosan-based hydrogels with marked biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and bio-adhesion properties are ideal for facilitating wound healing. In this review, the characteristics and healing mechanisms of different wounds are briefly summarized. In addition, the preparation and characterization of injectable chitosan hydrogels in recent years are classified. Additionally, the bioactive properties of this type of hydrogel in vitro and in vivo are demonstrated, and future trend in wound healing is prospected.

Effects of montmorillonite on the loading and release of Piper betle L. extract applied for wound dressing based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol

In this study, we investigate the influence of montmorillonite (MMT) on the loading and release of Piper betle L. extract (PLE)-a medicinal herb containing active secondary metabolites with antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. MMT (1 %, 3 %, 5 %) was blended into the chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) biocomposite film by the solution evaporation method, and then PLE was loaded onto this biocomposite using the immersion method. The tensile strength and the ability to absorb exudates of the CS/PVA film improved with the increase in MMT content. The MMT 3 % film was considered to have the best properties: good mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 27.44 ± 0.27 MPa and elongation at break of 14.57 ± 0.30 %, potential for wound dressing due to its ability to absorb wound exudate (swelling degree 61.70 ± 0.30 %) and a suitable water vapor transmission rate (1999 ± 47 g/m2·d). The presence of MMT (1 %, 3 %, 5 %) in the CS/PVA film led to an increase in the PLE loading efficiency of the films compared to the film without MMT, up to 1.65, 1.73, and 1.87 times, respectively. The MMT 3 % and 5 % films also exhibited a sustained PLE release effect for up to 24 h. MMT increased PLE bioavailability through bioactivity tests: antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus, antioxidant activity, effective healing of 2nd-degree burn wounds, and biocompatibility with the L929 fibroblasts cell line. The combination of physicochemical properties and biological activities proved that the MMT/PLE drug delivery system based on the CS/PVA biocomposite is promising for wound dressing.

3D printing of polysaccharide-based hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: A review

In tissue engineering, 3D printing represents a versatile technology employing inks to construct three-dimensional living structures, mimicking natural biological systems. This technology efficiently translates digital blueprints into highly reproducible 3D objects. Recent advances have expanded 3D printing applications, allowing for the fabrication of diverse anatomical components, including engineered functional tissues and organs. The development of printable inks, which incorporate macromolecules, enzymes, cells, and growth factors, is advancing with the aim of restoring damaged tissues and organs. Polysaccharides, recognized for their intrinsic resemblance to components of the extracellular matrix have garnered significant attention in the field of tissue engineering. This review explores diverse 3D printing techniques, outlining distinctive features that should characterize scaffolds used as ideal matrices in tissue engineering. A detailed investigation into the properties and roles of polysaccharides in tissue engineering is highlighted. The review also culminates in a profound exploration of 3D polysaccharide-based hydrogel applications, focusing on recent breakthroughs in regenerating different tissues such as skin, bone, cartilage, heart, nerve, vasculature, and skeletal muscle. It further addresses challenges and prospective directions in 3D printing hydrogels based on polysaccharides, paving the way for innovative research to fabricate functional tissues, enhancing patient care, and improving quality of life.

Light-degradable nanocomposite hydrogels for antibacterial wound dressing applications

Skin injuries infected by bacteria can cause life-threatening human diseases if not treated properly. In this work, we developed a light-degradable nanocomposite hydrogel to achieve both controlled antibiotic delivery and hydrogel degradation using light as the sole stimulus. Specifically, we incorporated triclosan-loaded, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based nanogels (TCS-NGs) that exhibited potent antibacterial efficacy, into a light-degradable poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel matrix via simple physical entrapment method. Upon exposure to 365 nm light, the hydrogel matrix could rapidly degrade, which subsequently released the entrapped TCS-NGs into the surrounding environment. Our results demonstrated that TCS-NGs released from light-degradable nanocomposite hydrogels still possessed remarkable antibacterial efficacy by inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus both in solution (a fivefold reduction in optical density compared to the blank control) and on bacteria-infected porcine skins (a fivefold reduction in colony-forming units compared to the blank control). Finally, using an alamarBlue assay on human dermal fibroblasts, we determined that each component of the nanocomposite hydrogel exhibited excellent biocompatibility (>90% cell viability) and would not cause significant cytotoxicity. Overall, the fabricated light-degradable nanocomposite hydrogels could serve as novel material for antibacterial wound dressing applications.

Therapeutic Potential of Nanocarrier Mediated Delivery of Peptides for Wound Healing: Current Status, Challenges and Future Prospective

Wound healing presents a complex physiological process that involves a sequence of events orchestrated by various cellular and molecular mechanisms. In recent years, there has been growing interest in leveraging nanomaterials and peptides to enhance wound healing outcomes. Nanocarriers offer unique properties such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable physicochemical characteristics, and the ability to deliver therapeutic agents in a controlled manner. Similarly, peptides, with their diverse biological activities and low immunogenicity, hold great promise as therapeutics in wound healing applications. In this review, authors explore the potential of peptides as bioactive components in wound healing formulations, focusing on their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative properties. Despite the significant progress made in this field, several challenges remain, including the need for standardized characterization methods, optimization of biocompatibility and safety profiles, and translation from bench to bedside. Furthermore, developing multifunctional nanomaterial-peptide hybrid systems represents promising avenues for future research. Overall, the integration of nanomaterials made up of natural or synthetic polymers with peptide-based formulations holds tremendous therapeutic potential in advancing the field of wound healing and improving clinical outcomes for patients with acute and chronic wounds.

Current research status and development prospects of embolic microspheres containing biological macromolecules and others

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TACE) has been used in the treatment of malignant tumors, sudden hemorrhage, uterine fibroids, and other diseases, and with advances in imaging techniques and devices, materials science, and drug release technology, more and more embolic agents that are drug-carrying, self-imaging, or have multiple functions are being developed. Microspheres provide safer and more effective therapeutic results as embolic agents, with their unique spherical appearance and good embolic properties. Embolic microspheres are the key to arterial embolization, blocking blood flow and nutrient supply to the tumor target. This review summarizes some of the currently published embolic microspheres, classifies embolic microspheres according to matrix, and summarizes the characteristics of the microsphere materials, the current status of research, directions, and the value of existing and potential applications. It provides a direction to promote the development of embolic microspheres towards multifunctionalization, and provides a reference to promote the research and application of embolic microspheres in the treatment of tumors.

Drug eluting protein and polysaccharides-based biofunctionalized fabric textiles- pioneering a new frontier in tissue engineering: An extensive review

In the ever-evolving landscape of tissue engineering, medicated biotextiles have emerged as a game-changer. These remarkable textiles have garnered significant attention for their ability to craft tissue scaffolds that closely mimic the properties of natural tissues. This comprehensive review delves into the realm of medicated protein and polysaccharide-based biotextiles, exploring a diverse array of fabric materials. We unravel the intricate web of fabrication methods, ranging from weft/warp knitting to plain/stain weaving and braiding, each lending its unique touch to the world of biotextiles creation. Fibre production techniques, such as melt spinning, wet/gel spinning, and multicomponent spinning, are demystified to shed light on the magic behind these ground-breaking textiles. The biotextiles thus crafted exhibit exceptional physical and chemical properties that hold immense promise in the field of tissue engineering (TE). Our review underscores the myriad applications of drug-eluting protein and polysaccharide-based textiles, including TE, tissue repair, regeneration, and wound healing. Additionally, we delve into commercially available products that harness the potential of medicated biotextiles, paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare and regenerative medicine. Step into the world of innovation with medicated biotextiles-where science meets the art of healing.

IPN based hydrogels for in-vivo wound dressings; catalytic wound healing dynamics and isothermal adsorption models

Interpenetrating network (IPN) methacrylated chitosan or methacrylated flaxseed gum based hydrogels have been utilized to make outstanding in-vivo wound dressings. The photopolymerization process was accomplished in presence of Eosin-Y photoinitiator with average exposure time of 13-14 s for gelation. Spectroscopic structural investigations of 1H NMR. ATR-FTIR, TGA, and AFM techniques were used. In-vitro hemolysis test provided evidence of no cytotoxicity in both hydrogels observed. The in-vivo wound dressings were monitored for five mice coated with each hydrogel and another uncoated five mice for control (self-healing). All measurements were performed in quintuplicate (n = 5) and expressed as mean ± SD values. In wound healing dynamics, our data confirmed that wound healing pass through two stages; hemostasis and inflammation for stage 1, and proliferation and remodeling for stage 2. It also provided evidence of 1st order kinetics with descending rate of healing. Consequently, catalytic role of hydrogels in wound healing was checked via half-life (δ) and negative change of activation energy values (ΔEa). Various isothermal adsorption models demonstrated spontaneous and high binding affinities of hydrogels. It also confirmed the two-stage healing process in presence of hydrogels. Conclusively, the outstanding properties of the two hydrogels suggest their potential applications in treating venous ulcers and diabetic wound healing dressings.

Dual-ROS Sensitive Moieties Conjugate Inhibits Curcumin Oxidative Degradation for Colitis Precise Therapy

Curcumin, a natural bioactive polyphenol with diverse molecular targets, is well known for its anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory potential. However, curcumin exhibits low solubility (<1 µg mL-1), poor tissue-targeting ability, and rapid oxidative degradation, resulting in poor bioavailability and stability for inflammatory therapy. Here, poly(diselenide-oxalate-curcumin) nanoparticle (SeOC-NP) with dual-reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensitive chemical moieties (diselenide and peroxalate ester bonds) is fabricated by a one-step synthetic strategy. The results confirmed that dual-ROS sensitive chemical moieties endowed SeOC-NP with the ability of targeted delivery of curcumin and significantly suppress oxidative degradation of curcumin for high-efficiency inflammatory therapy. In detail, the degradation amount of curcumin for SeOC is about 4-fold lower than that of free curcumin in an oxidative microenvironment. As a result, SeOC-NP significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory efficacy of curcumin in vitro analysis by scavenging intracellular ROS and suppressing the secretion of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In mouse colitis models, orally administered SeOC-NP can remarkably alleviate the symptoms of IBD and maintain the homeostasis of gut microbiota. This work provided a simple and effective strategy to fabricate ROS-responsive micellar and enhance the oxidation stability of medicine for precise therapeutic inflammation.

Exploring Microemulsion Systems for the Incorporation of Glucocorticoids into Bacterial Cellulose: A Novel Approach for Anti-Inflammatory Wound Dressings

The effective pharmacological treatment of inflamed wounds such as pyoderma gangraenosum remains challenging, as the systemic application of suitable drugs such as glucocorticoids is compromised by severe side effects and the inherent difficulties of wounds as drug targets. Furthermore, conventional semi-solid formulations are not suitable for direct application to open wounds. Thus, the treatment of inflamed wounds could considerably benefit from the development of active wound dressings for the topical administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Although bacterial cellulose appears to be an ideal candidate for this purpose due to its known suitability for advanced wound care and as a drug delivery system, the incorporation of poorly water-soluble compounds into the hydrophilic material still poses a problem. The use of microemulsions could solve that open issue. The present study therefore explores their use as a novel approach to incorporate poorly water-soluble glucocorticoids into bacterial cellulose. Five microemulsion formulations were loaded with hydrocortisone or dexamethasone and characterized in detail, demonstrating their regular microstructure, biocompatibility and shelf-life stability. Bacterial cellulose was successfully loaded with the formulations as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and surprisingly showed homogenous incorporation, even of w/o type microemulsions. High and controllable drug permeation through Strat-M® membranes was observed, and the anti-inflammatory activity for permeated glucocorticoids was confirmed in vitro. This study presents a novel approach for the development of anti-inflammatory wound dressings using bacterial cellulose in combination with microemulsions.

Advancements in wound healing: integrating biomolecules, drug delivery carriers, and targeted therapeutics for enhanced tissue repair

Wound healing, a critical biological process vital for tissue restoration, has spurred a global market exceeding $15 billion for wound care products and $12 billion for scar treatment. Chronic wounds lead to delayed or impaired wound healing. Natural bioactive compounds, prized for minimal side effects, stand out as promising candidates for effective wound healing. In response, researchers are turning to nanotechnology, employing the encapsulation of these agents into drug delivery carriers. Drug delivery system will play a crucial role in enabling targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to promote tissue regeneration and address underlying issues such as inflammation, infection, and impaired angiogenesis in chronic wound healing. Drug delivery carriers offer distinct advantages, exhibiting a substantial ratio of surface area to volume and altered physical and chemical properties. These carriers facilitate sustained and controlled release, proving particularly advantageous for the extended process of wound healing, that typically comprise a diverse range of components, integrating both natural and synthetic polymers. Additionally, they often incorporate bioactive molecules. Despite their properties, including poor solubility, rapid degradation, and limited bioavailability, various natural bioactive agents face challenges in clinical applications. With a global research, emphasis on harnessing nanomaterial for wound healing application, this research overview engages advancing drug delivery technologies to augment the effectiveness of tissue regeneration using bioactive molecules. Recent progress in drug delivery has poised to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of natural compounds in wound healing applications.

Development strategy of novel drug formulations for the delivery of doxycycline in the treatment of wounds of various etiologies

Doxycycline hyclate (DOXH) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic derived synthetically from tetracycline. Despite its use in clinical practice for more than 40 years, DOXH remains an effective antibiotic with retained activity. The potential advantages of DOXH for wound healing therapy include its mechanisms of action, such as anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, modulation of cellular processes, stimulation of collagen synthesis, and antimicrobial activity. As current standards of care aim to improve wound healing by promoting rapid closure, a relevant direction is the development of novel DOXH formulations for parenteral delivery that enhance both skin regeneration and control of infectious conditions. Oral delivery is the most common and commercially available route for administering DOXH therapeutic agents. However, parenteral delivery of DOXH, where the antibiotic substance is not in a solid state (as in powdered or compressed solid form) but rather dissolved in any carrier, presents challenges regarding DOX solubility and the stability of DOXH solutions, which are major factors complicating the development of new formulations for parenteral administration. This review discusses the achievements in research strategies and the development of new pharmaceutical formulations for the delivery of doxycycline in the treatment of wounds of various etiologies.

Electrospun nanofibers as advanced wound dressing materials: comparative analysis of single-layered and multilayered nanofibers containing polycaprolactone, methylcellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol

The dressing materials that provide surface protection, bacteriostatic activities, and tissue regeneration are important for the treatment and management of complex wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing properties of electrospun nanofibers containing a blend of methylcellulose (MC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The nanofibers were tested in single-layered (S-NFs) and multilayered (M-NFs) forms (PCL/MC-PVA/PCL). In vitro scratch assay using L929 cells and in vivo experiments on Wistar rats were conducted. The results showed that both S-NFs and M-NFs significantly accelerated wound closure by promoting cell migration. M-NFs demonstrated superior wound healing activity compared to S-NFs. Additionally, M-NFs exhibited faster skin epithelization compared to S-NFs. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the absence of irritation or lesions on the healed wound surface. Overall, the study concluded that these polymeric nanofibers have the potential to be used as self-wound healing dressings. They are safe, non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible.

Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens in Wound Infections: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to explore the antimicrobial activity of a silver-containing gelling fiber dressing against multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in wound infections. It particularly focuses on burn wounds and evaluates its potential clinical significance in combating antimicrobial resistance. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases over the past ten years. It is used to identify relevant studies addressing MDRO infections in wound care and exploring novel antimicrobial approaches. The included studies underwent rigorous methodological assessment. Additionally, the data were synthesized to evaluate the efficacy of silver-containing dressings in inhibiting MDRO growth and eradicating biofilm-associated bacteria. Moreover, this review revealed that silver-containing dressings have constant in vitro antimicrobial activity against 10 MDROs over seven days in simulated wound fluid. However, inhibitory and bactericidal effects were consistently observed against free-living and biofilm phenotypes. The findings suggest potential clinical significance in managing MDRO infections in wounds. This highlights its role in mitigating treatment failure and antimicrobial resistance. Despite the promising implications for wound management practices, this study acknowledges some limitations. In vitro models and the absence of direct clinical validation have also been included. However, the review explains the importance of new approaches. Nanotechnology has been used to address antimicrobial resistance in wound care. Thus, further research and innovation are needed to improve patient outcomes and combat antimicrobial resistance.

Injectable Hydrogels with Integrated Ph Probes and Ultrasound-Responsive Microcapsules as Smart Wound Dressings for Visual Monitoring and On-Demand Treatment of Chronic Wounds

Hydrogel dressings capable of infection monitoring and precise treatment administration show promise for advanced wound care. Existing methods involve embedd ingorganic dyes or flexible electronics into preformed hydrogels, which raise safety issues and adaptability challenges. In this study, an injectable hydrogel based smart wound dressing is developed by integrating food-derived anthocyanidin as a visual pH probe for infection monitoring and poly(L-lactic acid) microcapsules as ultrasound-responsive delivery systems for antibiotics into a poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel. This straightforwardly prepared hydrogel dressing maintains its favorable properties for wound repair, including porous morphology and excellent biocompatibility. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the hydrogel enabled visual assessment of pH within the range of 5 ∼ 9.Meanwhile, the release of antibiotics could be triggered and controlled by ultrasound. In vivo evaluations using infected wounds and diabetic wounds revealed that the wound dressing effectively detected wound infection by monitoring pH levels and achieved antibacterial effects through ultrasound-triggered drug release. This led to significantly enhanced wound healing, as validated by histological analysis and the measurement of inflammatory cytokine levels. This injectable hydrogel-based smart wound dressing holds great potential for use in clinical settings to inform timely and precise clinical intervention and in community to improve wound care management.

Novel electro-spun fabrication of blended polymeric nanofibrous wound closure materials loaded with catechin to improve wound healing potential and microbial inhibition for the care of diabetic wound

Diabetic wound infections caused by the multiplication of infectious pathogens and their antibiotic resistance. Wound infection evident by bacterial colonization and other factors, such as the virulence and host immune factors. In this context, we need discover appropriate treatment and effective antibiotics for wound infection control. Considering this, we synthesized catechin-loaded polyvinyl alcohol/Chitosan (PVA/CS) based nanofiber for multifunctional wound healing. The physicochemical and biological properties of fabricated nanofiber, were systematically evaluated by various spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The CA@PVA/CS nanofiber exhibited a high level of antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The nanofibers showed effective control in gram-positive and negative wound infectious bacterial multiplication at the lowest concentration. Based on the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability study CA@PVA/CS nanofiber shows excellent biocompatibility against L929 cells. In wound, scratch assay results revealed that the CA@PVA/CS treated group shows enhanced cell migration and cell proliferation within 48 h. The synthesis of antioxidant, antibacterial, and biocompatible nanofiber exposes their potential for effective wound healing. Current research hypothesized catechin loaded PVA/CS nanofiber could be a multifunctional and low-cost material for diabetic wound care application. Fabricated nanofiber would be improved skin tissue regeneration and public health hygiene.

Chromolaena odorata layered-nitrile rubber polymer transdermal patch enhanced wound healing in vivo

The objective is to investigate the healing efficacy of a Chromolaena odorata layered-nitrile rubber transdermal patch on excision wound healing in rats. Wounds were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats and were later treated as follows: wound A, the negative control, received no treatment (NC); wound B, the negative control with an empty nitrile rubber patch (NC-ERP); wound C, treated with a C. odorata layered-nitrile rubber patch (CO-NRP); and wound D, the positive control with Solcoseryl gel with a nitrile rubber patch (PC-SG-NRP). After 1, 3, 6, 10, and 14 days, the rats were sacrificed and analyzed for wound contraction, protein content, hexosamine, and uronic acid levels. Macroscopic observation showed enhanced wound healing in wounds treated with CO-NRP with a wound contraction percentage significantly higher (p<0.05) on days 6 and 10 compared to those treated with NC-ERP. Similarly, protein, hexosamine, and uronic acid contents were also significantly higher (p<0.05) in CO-NRP-treated wounds when compared with wounds treated with NC-ERP. Histological findings showed denser collagen deposition and faster granulation tissue formation in wounds treated with CO-NRP. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the C. odorata layered-nitrile rubber transdermal patch was effective in healing skin wounds.

Revolutionizing Wound Healing: Exploring Scarless Solutions through Drug Delivery Innovations

Human skin is the largest organ and outermost surface of the human body, and due to the continuous exposure to various challenges, it is prone to develop injuries, customarily known as wounds. Although various tissue engineering strategies and bioactive wound matrices have been employed to speed up wound healing, scarring remains a significant challenge. The wound environment is harsh due to the presence of degradative enzymes and elevated pH levels, and the physiological processes involved in tissue regeneration operate on distinct time scales. Therefore, there is a need for effective drug delivery systems (DDSs) to address these issues. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive exposition of the mechanisms underlying the skin healing process, the factors and materials used in engineering DDSs, and the different DDSs used in wound care. Furthermore, this investigation will delve into the examination of emergent technologies and potential avenues for enhancing the efficacy of wound care devices.

Emerging horizons and prospects of polysaccharide-constructed gels in the realm of wound healing

Polysaccharides, with the abundant availability, biodegradability, and inherent safety, offer a vast array of promising applications. Leveraging the remarkable attributes of polysaccharides, biomimetic and multifunctional hydrogels have emerged as a compelling avenue for efficacious wound dressing. The gels emulate the innate extracellular biomatrix as well as foster cellular proliferation. The distinctive structural compositions and profusion of functional groups within polysaccharides confer excellent physical/chemical traits as well as distinct restorative involvements. Gels crafted from polysaccharide matrixes serve as a robust defense against bacterial threats, effectively shielding wounds from harm. This comprehensive review delves into wound physiology, accentuating the significance of numerous polysaccharide-based gels in the wound healing context. The discourse encompasses an exploration of polysaccharide hydrogels tailored for diverse wound types, along with an examination of various therapeutic agents encapsulated within hydrogels to facilitate wound repair, incorporating recent patent developments. Within the scope of this manuscript, the perspective of these captivating gels for promoting optimal healing of wounds is vividly depicted. Nevertheless, the pursuit of knowledge remains ongoing, as further research is warranted to bioengineer progressive polysaccharide gels imbued with adaptable features. Such endeavors hold the promise of unlocking substantial potential within the realm of wound healing, propelling us toward multifaceted and sophisticated solutions.

Zirconium-Based Metal-Organic Framework Capable of Binding Proinflammatory Mediators in Hydrogel Form Promotes Wound Healing Process through a Multiscale Adsorption Mechanism

The regulation of proinflammatory mediators has been explored to promote natural healing without abnormal inflammation or autoimmune response induced by their overproduction. However, most efforts to control these mediators have relied on pharmacological substances that are directly engaged in biological cycles. It is believed that functional porous materials removing target mediators provide a new way to promote the healing process using their adsorption mechanisms. In this study, the Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (MOF)-808 (Zr6 O4 (OH)4 (BTC)2 (HCOO)6 ) crystals are found to be effective at removing proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro and in vivo, because of their porous structure and surface affinity. The MOF-808 crystals are applied to an in vivo skin wound model as a hydrogel dispersion. Hydrogel containing 0.2 wt% MOF-808 crystals shows significant improvement in terms of wound healing efficacy and quality over the corresponding control. It is also proven that the mode of action is to remove the proinflammatory mediators in vivo. Moreover, the application of MOF-808-containing hydrogels promotes cell activation, proliferation and inhibits chronic inflammation, leading to increased wound healing quality. These findings suggest that Zr-based MOFs may be a promising drug-free solution for skin problems related to proinflammatory mediators.

Reservoir Effect of Textile Substrates on the Delivery of Essential Oils Microencapsulated by Complex Coacervation

Microcapsules are being used in textile substrates increasingly more frequently, availing a wide spectrum of possibilities that are relevant to future research trends. Biofunctional Textiles is a new field that should be carefully studied, especially when dealing with microencapsulated essential oils. In the final step, when the active principle is delivered, there are some possibilities to quantify and simulate its doses on the skin or in the environment. At that stage, there is a phenomenon that can help to better control the delivery and the reservoir effect of the textile substrate. Depending on the chemical characteristics of the molecule to be delivered, as well as the structure and chemical nature of the fabric where it has been applied, there is physicochemical retention exerted by fibers that strongly controls the final rate of principle active delivery to the external part of the textile substrate. The study of this type of effect in two different substrates (cotton and polyester) will be described here regarding two different essential oils microencapsulated and applied to the substrates using padding technology. The experimental results of the final drug delivery demonstrate this reservoir effect in both essential oils.

Investigating the Wound-Healing Potential of a Nanoemulsion-Gel Formulation of Pituranthos tortuosus Essential Oil

This study explores a nanoemulsion (NE)-based gel incorporating Tunisian Pituranthos tortuosus essential oil, with a focus on its wound-healing potential. The essential oil, extracted via hydrodistillation, underwent GC-MS analysis for compositional verification. The physicochemical characterization included dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurement, pH, and viscosity. The gelification of the NE facilitated topical application. The results revealed an average extraction yield of 0.45% and identified 38 compounds in the essential oil. The NE exhibited a particle size of 27 ± 0.4 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.3, and a zeta potential of -22.8 ± 1.4 mV. The stability of the gelified preparation was confirmed through thermodynamic stability studies, TEM observations, and zeta and size results. In vivo experiments confirmed significant wound-healing effects, highlighting the promising role of the NE-based gel in healthcare advancements. This research underscores the potential of novel phyto-based delivery systems in wound care.

Inflammasome modulation with P2X7 inhibitor A438079-loaded dressings for diabetic wound healing

The inflammasome is a multiprotein complex critical for the innate immune response to injury. Inflammasome activation initiates healthy wound healing, but comorbidities with poor healing, including diabetes, exhibit pathologic, sustained activation with delayed resolution that prevents healing progression. In prior work, we reported the allosteric P2X7 antagonist A438079 inhibits extracellular ATP-evoked NLRP3 signaling by preventing ion flux, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, NLRP3 assembly, mature IL-1β release, and pyroptosis. However, the short half-life in vivo limits clinical translation of this promising molecule. Here, we develop a controlled release scaffold to deliver A438079 as an inflammasome-modulating wound dressing for applications in poorly healing wounds. We fabricated and characterized tunable thickness, long-lasting silk fibroin dressings and evaluated A438079 loading and release kinetics. We characterized A438079-loaded silk dressings in vitro by measuring IL-1β release and inflammasome assembly by perinuclear ASC speck formation. We further evaluated the performance of A438079-loaded silk dressings in a full-thickness model of wound healing in genetically diabetic mice and observed acceleration of wound closure by 10 days post-wounding with reduced levels of IL-1β at the wound edge. This work provides a proof-of-principle for translating pharmacologic inhibition of ATP-induced inflammation in diabetic wounds and represents a novel approach to therapeutically targeting a dysregulated mechanism in diabetic wound impairment.

Injectable and self-healable nano-architectured hydrogel for NIR-light responsive chemo- and photothermal bacterial eradication

Hydrogels with multifunctional properties activated at specific times have gained significant attention in the biomedical field. As bacterial infections can cause severe complications that negatively impact wound repair, herein, we present the development of a stimuli-responsive, injectable, and in situ-forming hydrogel with antibacterial, self-healing, and drug-delivery properties. In this study, we prepared a Pluronic F-127 (PF127) and sodium alginate (SA)-based hydrogel that can be targeted to a specific tissue via injection. The PF127/SA hydrogel was incorporated with polymeric short-filaments (SFs) containing an anti-inflammatory drug - ketoprofen, and stimuli-responsive polydopamine (PDA) particles. The hydrogel, after injection, could be in situ gelated at the body temperature, showing great in vitro stability and self-healing ability after 4 h of incubation. The SFs and PDA improved the hydrogel injectability and compressive strength. The introduction of PDA significantly accelerated the KET release under near-infrared light exposure and extended its release validity period. The excellent composites' photo-thermal performance led to antibacterial activity against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, resulting in 99.9% E. coli and S. aureus eradication after 10 min of NIR light irradiation. In vitro, fibroblast L929 cell studies confirmed the materials' biocompatibility and paved the way toward further in vivo and clinical application of the system for chronic wound treatments.

Dissolvable Immunomodulatory Microneedles for Treatment of Skin Wounds

Sustained inflammation can halt or delay wound healing, and macrophages play a central role in wound healing. Inflammatory macrophages are responsible for the removal of pathogens, debris, and neutrophils, while anti-inflammatory macrophages stimulate various regenerative processes. Recombinant human Proteoglycan 4 (rhPRG4) is shown to modulate macrophage polarization and to prevent fibrosis and scarring in ear wound healing. Here, dissolvable microneedle arrays (MNAs) carrying rhPRG4 are engineered for the treatment of skin wounds. The in vitro experiments suggest that rhPRG4 modulates the inflammatory function of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Degradable and detachable microneedles are developed from gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) attach to a dissolvable gelatin backing. The developed MNAs are able to deliver a high dose of rhPRG4 through the dissolution of the gelatin backing post-injury, while the GelMA microneedles sustain rhPRG4 bioavailability over the course of treatment. In vivo results in a murine model of full-thickness wounds with impaired healing confirm a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers such as TNF-α and IL-6, and an increase in angiogenesis and collagen deposition. Collectively, these results demonstrate rhPRG4-incorporating MNA is a promising platform in skin wound healing applications.

Recent progress and treatment strategy of pectin polysaccharide based tissue engineering scaffolds in cancer therapy, wound healing and cartilage regeneration

Natural polymers and its mixtures in the form of films, sponges and hydrogels are playing a major role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Hydrogels have been extensively investigated as standalone materials for drug delivery purposes as they enable effective encapsulation and sustained release of drugs. Biopolymers are widely utilised in the fabrication of hydrogels due to their safety, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and regulated breakdown by human enzymes. Among all the biopolymers, polysaccharide-based polymer is well suited to overcome the limitations of traditional wound dressing materials. Pectin is a polysaccharide which can be extracted from different plant sources and is used in various pharmaceutical and biomedical applications including cartilage regeneration. Pectin itself cannot be employed as scaffolds for tissue engineering since it decomposes quickly. This article discusses recent research and developments on pectin polysaccharide, including its types, origins, applications, and potential demands for use in AI-mediated scaffolds. It also covers the materials-design process, strategy for implementation to material selection and fabrication methods for evaluation. Finally, we discuss unmet requirements and current obstacles in the development of optimal materials for wound healing and bone-tissue regeneration, as well as emerging strategies in the field.

Integration of polysaccharide electrospun nanofibers with microneedle arrays promotes wound regeneration: A review

Utilizing electrospun nanofibers and microneedle arrays in wound regeneration has been practiced for several years. Researchers have recently asserted that using multiple methods concurrently might enhance efficiency, despite the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each individual approach. The combination of microneedle arrays with electrospun nanofibers has the potential to create a drug delivery system and wound healing method that offer improved efficiency and accuracy in targeting. The use of microneedles with nanofibers allows for precise administration of pharmaceuticals due to the microneedles' capacity to pierce the skin and the nanofibers' role as a drug reservoir, resulting in a progressive release of drugs over a certain period of time. Electrospun nanofibers have the ability to imitate the extracellular matrix and provide a framework for cellular growth and tissue rejuvenation, while microneedle arrays show potential for enhancing tissue regeneration and enhancing the efficacy of wound healing. The integration of electrospun nanofibers with microneedle arrays may be customized to effectively tackle particular obstacles in the fields of wound healing and drug delivery. However, some issues must be addressed before this paradigm may be fully integrated into clinical settings, including but not limited to ensuring the safety and sterilization of these products for transdermal use, optimizing manufacturing methods and characterization of developed products, larger-scale production, optimizing storage conditions, and evaluating the inclusion of multiple therapeutic and antimicrobial agents to increase the synergistic effects in the wound healing process. This research examines the combination of microneedle arrays with electrospun nanofibers to enhance the delivery of drugs and promote wound healing. It explores various kinds of microneedle arrays, the materials and processes used, and current developments in their integration with electrospun nanofibers.

Best practices for managing malodorous and infected wounds in advanced cervical cancer

This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the most effective strategies for managing malodorous and infected wounds in patients who have been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. The research was conducted in Liupanshui, China. The study specifically examined demographic profiles, wound characteristics and effectiveness of wound management approaches. The study incorporated the heterogeneous sample of 289 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted via structured questionnaires and medical record evaluations. Descriptive statistics and statistical analyses, such as regression analysis, were utilized to evaluate demographic attributes, wound profiles and effects of different approaches to wound management. The findings unveiled the heterogeneous demographic composition of patients, encompassing differences in socioeconomic standing, educational attainment and age. A wide range of wound characteristics were observed, as 65.7% of lesions during the acute phase with diameter between 2 and 5 centimetres, while 41.5% of lesions had this range. The most prevalent types of infections were those caused by fungi (48.4%), followed by bacterial infections lacking resistance (38.1%). A moderate degree of odour intensity was prevalent, affecting 45.0% of the cases. With maximal odour reduction of 80%, a mean healing time of 25 days and patient satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy demonstrated itself to be the most efficacious treatment method. Additional approaches, such as photodynamic therapy and topical antibiotic therapy, demonstrated significant effectiveness, as evidenced by odour reductions of 70% and 75%, respectively, and patient satisfaction ratings of 4.3 and 4.2. Thus, the study determined challenges associated with management of malodorous and infected lesions among patients with advanced cervical cancer. The results underscored the significance of individualized care approaches, drew attention to efficacious wound management techniques and identified critical determinants that impacted patient recuperation. The findings of this study hold potential for advancing palliative care for individuals diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.

PVA/PVP Nanofibres Incorporated with Ecklonia cava Phlorotannins Exhibit Excellent Cytocompatibility and Accelerate Hyperglycaemic Wound Healing

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major debilitating complication of diabetes. The lack of effective diabetic wound dressings has been a significant problem in DFU management. In this study, we aim to establish a phlorotannin-incorporated nanofibre system and determine its potential in accelerating hyperglycaemic wound healing.

METHODS

The effective dose of Ecklonia cava phlorotannins (ECP) for hyperglycaemic wound healing was determined prior to phlorotannin nanofibre fabrication using polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and ECP. Vapour glutaraldehyde was used for crosslinking of the PVA/PVP nanofibres. The phlorotannin nanofibres were characterised, and their safety and cytocompatibility were validated. Next, the wound healing effect of phlorotannin nanofibres was determined with 2D wound scratch assay, whereas immunofluorescence staining of Collagen-I (Col-I) and Cytokeratin-14 (CK-14) was performed in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK), respectively.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that 0.01 μg/mL ECP significantly improved hyperglycaemic wound healing without compromising cell viability and proliferation. Among all nanofibres, PVA/PVP/0.01 wt% ECP nanofibres exhibited the best hyperglycaemic wound healing effect. They displayed a diameter of 334.7 ± 10.1 nm, a porosity of 40.7 ± 3.3%, and a WVTR of 1718.1 ± 32.3 g/m2/day. Besides, the FTIR spectra and phlorotannin release profile validated the successful vapour glutaraldehyde crosslinking and ECP incorporation. We also demonstrated the potential of phlorotannin nanofibres as a non-cytotoxic wound dressing as they support the viability and proliferation of both HDF and HEK. Furthermore, phlorotannin nanofibres significantly ameliorated the impaired hyperglycaemic wound healing and restored the hyperglycaemic-induced Col-I reduction in HDF.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings show that phlorotannin nanofibres have the potential to be used as a diabetic wound dressing.

Natural agents as wound-healing promoters

The management of acute and chronic wounds resulting from diverse injuries poses a significant challenge to clinical practices and healthcare providers. Wound healing is a complex biological process driven by a natural physiological response. This process involves four distinct phases, namely hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Despite numerous investigations on wound healing and wound dressing materials, complications still persist, necessitating more efficacious therapies. Wound-healing materials can be categorized into natural and synthetic groups. The current study aims to provide a comprehensive review of highly active natural animal and herbal agents as wound-healing promoters. To this end, we present an overview of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies that led to the discovery of potential therapeutic agents for wound healing. We further elucidated the effects of natural materials on various pharmacological pathways of wound healing. The results of previous investigations suggest that natural agents hold great promise as viable and accessible products for the treatment of diverse wound types.

The Association of Oleic Acid and Dexamethasone Acetate into Nanocapsules Enables a Reduction in the Effective Corticosteroid Dose in a UVB Radiation-Induced Sunburn Model in Mice

Dexamethasone has a high anti-inflammatory efficacy in treating skin inflammation. However, its use is related to the rebound effect, rosacea, purple, and increased blood glucose levels. Nanotechnology approaches have emerged as strategies for drug delivery due to their advantages in improving therapeutic effects. To reduce dexamethasone-related adverse effects and improve the anti-inflammatory efficacy of treatments, we developed nanocarriers containing this corticosteroid and oleic acid. Nanocapsules and nanoemulsion presented dexamethasone content close to the theoretical value and controlled dexamethasone release in an in vitro assay. Gellan gum-based hydrogels were successfully prepared to employ the nanostructured systems. A permeation study employing porcine skin showed that hydrogels containing non-nanoencapsulated dexamethasone (0.025%) plus oleic acid (3%) or oleic acid (3%) plus dexamethasone (0.025%)-loaded nanocapsules provided a higher amount of dexamethasone in the epidermis compared to non-nanoencapsulated dexamethasone (0.5%). Hydrogels containing oleic acid plus dexamethasone-loaded nanocapsules effectively inhibited mice ear edema (with inhibitions of 89.26 ± 3.77% and 85.11 ± 2.88%, respectively) and inflammatory cell infiltration (with inhibitions of 49.58 ± 4.29% and 27.60 ± 11.70%, respectively). Importantly, the dexamethasone dose employed in hydrogels containing the nanocapsules that effectively inhibited ear edema and cell infiltration was 20-fold lower (0.025%) than that of non-nanoencapsulated dexamethasone (0.5%). Additionally, no adverse effects were observed in preliminary toxicity tests. Our study suggests that nanostructured hydrogel containing a reduced effective dose of dexamethasone could be a promising therapeutic alternative to treat inflammatory disorders with reduced or absent adverse effects. Additionally, testing our formulation in a clinical study on patients with skin inflammatory diseases would be very important to validate our study.

Optimize the parameters for the synthesis by the ionic gelation technique, purification, and freeze-drying of chitosan-sodium tripolyphosphate nanoparticles for biomedical purposes

BACKGROUND

Polymeric nanoparticles can be used for wound closure and therapeutic compound delivery, among other biomedical applications. Although there are several nanoparticle obtention methods, it is crucial to know the adequate parameters to achieve better results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to optimize the parameters for the synthesis, purification, and freeze-drying of chitosan nanoparticles. We evaluated the conditions of agitation speed, anion addition time, solution pH, and chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate concentration.

RESULTS

Chitosan nanoparticles presented an average particle size of 172.8 ± 3.937 nm, PDI of 0.166 ± 0.008, and zeta potential of 25.00 ± 0.79 mV, at the concentration of 0.1% sodium tripolyphosphate and chitosan (pH 5.5), with a dripping time of 2 min at 500 rpm. The most representative factor during nanoparticle fabrication was the pH of the chitosan solution, generating significant changes in particle size and polydispersity index. The observed behavior is attributed to the possible excess of sodium tripolyphosphate during synthesis. We added the surfactants poloxamer 188 and polysorbate 80 to evaluate the stability improvement during purification (centrifugation or dialysis). These surfactants decreased coalescence between nanoparticles, especially during purification. The centrifugation increased the zeta potential to 40.8-56.2 mV values, while the dialyzed samples led to smaller particle sizes (152-184 nm). Finally, freeze-drying of the chitosan nanoparticles proceeded using two cryoprotectants, trehalose and sucrose. Both adequately protected the system during the process, and the sugar concentration depended on the purification process.

CONCLUSIONS

In Conclusion, we must consider each surfactant's benefits in formulations for selecting the most suitable. Also, it is necessary to do more studies with the molecule to load. At the same time, the use of sucrose and trehalose generates adequate protection against the freeze-drying process, even at a 5% w/v concentration. However, adjusting the percentage concentration by weight must be made to work with the CS-TPP NPs purified by dialysis.

A sustainable and self-healable silk fibroin nanocomposite with antibacterial and drug eluting properties for 3D printed wound dressings

The development of self-healable and 3D printable hydrogels with decent biocompatibility, mechanical durability, adhesiveness to tissues, and antibacterial activity is of great importance for wound healing applications. In this study, we present a sustainable and environmentally friendly composite hydrogel consisting of silk fibroin (SF), oxidized salep (OS), and kappa carrageenan nanoparticles (NPs) for efficient wound care. The injectable nanocomposite hydrogel is highly stretchable and exhibits strong tissue adhesiveness and self-healing response through Schiff-base cross-linking between OS and SF. The tunable shear-thinning viscoelastic properties of the hydrogel facilitate 3D bioprinting with excellent shape adaptability (97.7 ± 1.1% recovery), enabling the fabrication of complex-shaped constructs. In vitro release kinetics of tetracycline (TC) encapsulated in kappa carrageenan NPs indicate a distinctive Korsmeyer-Peppas profile, including an initial burst release followed by a triphasic pattern controlled by the embedded NPs within the hydrogel matrix. The composite hydrogel shows a remarkable broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with substantial zones of inhibition against S. aureus (34.00 ± 1.00 mm) and E. coli (27.60 ± 2.08 mm) after 24 h of incubation at 37 °C. The addition of TC further enhances the zones of inhibition by approximately 45% for S. aureus and 27% for E. coli. The control group without kappa NP incorporation shows no zone of inhibition, underscoring the critical role of the nanoparticles in imparting antibacterial activity to the hydrogel. Cytocompatibility assays show the high viability of fibroblast (L929) cells (>90%) in vitro. In vivo biocompatibility studies through subcutaneous implantation also do not show malignancy, infection, abscess, necrosis, epidermal or dermal modifications, or inflammation of the wounds after 14 days post-injection. H&E staining shows that the biodegradation of the developed hydrogel facilitates the growth of non-inflammatory cells, leading to the substitution of the injected hydrogel with autologous tissue. The detailed analyses affirm that the multifunctional injectable hydrogel with self-healing and antibacterial properties has high potential for wound healing and skin tissue engineering.

New anthracene-based Oxime-Palladium complexes loaded on albumin nanoparticles, in vitro cytotoxicity, mathematical release mechanism studies and biological macromolecules interaction investigation

In this research work, two new palladium complexes [trans-Pd(C15H10NOCH3)2]Cl2 (1) and [cis- Pd(C15H10NOCH3)(PPh3)2Cl]Cl (2) were synthesized using an alkoxyme ligand named isophethalaldoxime. Then structure characterization has been done by FT-IR and different NMR (1H, 13C and 31P) spectroscopy. Then, their interactions with biological macromolecules including deoxyribonucleic acid and bovine serum albumin were studied using various spectroscopic methods such as UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and circular dichroism. The results showed the binding of the prepared complexes to the deoxyribonucleic acid via grooves and different binding sites of bovine serum albumin. Fluorescence emission data showed that the mechanism of extinction of albumin emission by these compounds is static. Competitive titration was performed on albumin with eosin-Y, ibuprofen and digoxin as site markers I, II and III. The antitumor activity and toxicity of these compounds were evaluated on cancer cell lines A549 (leukemia) and K562 by in-vitro cytotoxicity test. The IC50 values showed the good activity of these complexes in inhibiting cancer cells. In the last section, the release mechanism of synthesized complexes from albumin nanoparticles (BNPs) was investigated and theoretical calculations were performed that showed Korsmeyer-Peppas mechanism for complex (1) and Quadratic mechanism for complex (2).

Hemostatic and antibacterial calcium-copper zeolite gauze for infected wound healing

The design and development of wound dressings with excellent procoagulant and antibacterial activity to achieve high wound healing effectiveness are highly desirable in clinical applications. In this work, we develop a calcium-copper zeolite gauze (CaCu-ZG) by a two-step process involving calcium and copper ion exchange in a zeolite gauze. The CaCu-ZG exhibits remarkable procoagulant and antibacterial abilities, as well as good biocompatibility. Compared with the medical gauze, the blood clotting time of CaCu-ZG significantly decreases and the antibacterial activity increases in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The remarkable ability of wound healing has been verified using a mouse dorsal skin-infected wound model, demonstrating its great potential for wound treatment in clinical applications.

Photothermal antibacterial MoS2 composited chitosan hydrogel for infectious wound healing

Pathological bacterial infection poses a serious threat to public health security. The excessive use of antibiotics has resulted in a serious decline in treatment effect and bacterial resistance. For the treatment of infected wounds, we compounded dopamine-assisted exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2@PDA) into lipoic acid modified chitosan (LAMC) to obtain a composite hydrogel dressing (LAMC-MoS2@PDA). LAMC-MoS2@PDA hydrogels exhibited excellent photothermal conversion ability and the LAMC-MoS2@PDA2 group (0.3 wt%) has a photothermal conversion efficiency of 26.29 %. Meanwhile, they showed good biocompatibility and ROS scavenging activity in vitro. Photothermal therapy usually utilizes photothermal agents to convert near-infrared light into heat energy for bacterial cell membrane destruction and bacterial protein inactivation. Under the near-infrared light irradiation, the antibacterial ratio of LAMC-MoS2@PDA hydrogels against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached nearly 100 %, and the morphology of the bacteria showed obvious contraction and cleavage. The hydrogels also showed an excellent antibacterial effect and wound healing promotion in the infected wound of rats. In particular, the LAMC-MoS2@PDA2 (+) group (with NIR) showed almost complete wound closure after 14 days, indicating that the LAMC-MoS2@PDA hydrogels have great potential in clinical anti-infected treatment.

Amphotericin B-loaded natural latex dressing for treating Candida albicans wound infections using Galleria mellonella model

Amphotericin B (AmB) is the gold standard for antifungal drugs. However, AmB systemic administration is restricted because of its side effects. Here, we report AmB loaded in natural rubber latex (NRL), a sustained delivery system with low toxicity, which stimulates angiogenesis, cell adhesion and accelerates wound healing. Physicochemical characterizations showed that AmB did not bind chemically to the polymeric matrix. Electronic and topographical images showed small crystalline aggregates from AmB crystals on the polymer surface. About 56.6% of AmB was released by the NRL in 120 h. However, 33.6% of this antifungal was delivered in the first 24 h due to the presence of AmB on the polymer surface. The biomaterial's excellent hemo- and cytocompatibility with erythrocytes and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) confirmed its safety for dermal wound application. Antifungal assay against Candida albicans showed that AmB-NRL presented a dose-dependent behavior with an inhibition halo of 30.0 ± 1.0 mm. Galleria mellonella was employed as an in vivo model for C. albicans infection. Survival rates of 60% were observed following the injection of AmB (0.5 mg.mL-1) in G. mellonella larvae infected by C. albicans. Likewise, AmB-NRL (0.5 mg.mL-1) presented survival rates of 40%, inferring antifungal activity against fungus. Thus, NRL adequately acts as an AmB-sustained release matrix, which is an exciting approach, since this antifungal is toxic at high concentrations. Our findings suggest that AmB-NRL is an efficient, safe, and reasonably priced ($0.15) dressing for the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections.

Agarose fibers with glycerol and graphene oxide and functional properties for potential application in biomaterials

Agarose has numerous applications in biochemistry and medical textiles. This study aimed to produce agarose-graphene oxide-glycerol fibers and analyze their properties. The agarose gel was prepared by dissolving the polymer in 9:1 (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO): H2O, followed by spinning in an ethanol bath (1:1 (v/v) ethanol: H2O) at 20 °C. Fibers were obtained using 8 % (m/v) agarose, 2 % (m/v) glycerol, and 0.5 % and 1 % (m/v) graphene oxide (GO). The fibers had a titer of 18.32-32.49 tex and, a tenacity of 1.40-3.35 cN/tex. GO increased the thermal resistance by 79 %. The presence of glycerol and GO was confirmed and analyzed by FTIR and XPS. Fiber water absorption was decreased by 30 % with the GO addition. The weight loss increased by 55 % after glycerol addition, 51 % with GO addition, and 36 % with glycerol and GO simultaneous addition. Furthermore, GO exhibited 100 % inhibition for both S. aureus (gram-positive) and E. coli bacteria (gram-negative). Fiber F1, with only agarose, inhibited S. aureus by 34.93 %, F2 with 2 % glycerol by 48.72 %, F3 with 0.5 % GO by 63.42 %, and F4 with 2 % glycerol and 0.5 % GO by 30.65 %. However, the inhibition increased to 49.43 % with 1 % GO. The agarose fibers showed low inhibition for E. coli, ranging from 3.35 to 12.12 %.

A focused review on hyaluronic acid contained nanofiber formulations for diabetic wound healing

The significant clinical challenge presented by diabetic wounds is due to their impaired healing process and increased risk of complications. It is estimated that a foot ulcer will develop at some point in the lives of 15-25 % of diabetic patients. Serious complications, including infection and amputation, are often led to by these wounds. In the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, nanofiber-based wound dressings have emerged in recent years as promising therapeutic strategies for diabetic wound healing. Hyaluronic acid (HA), among various nanofiber materials, has gained considerable attention due to its unique properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and excellent moisture retention capacity. By promoting skin hydration and controlling inflammation, a crucial role in wound healing is played by HA. Wounds are also helped to heal faster by HA through the regulation of inflammation levels and signaling the body to build more blood vessels in the damaged area. Great potential in various applications, including wound healing, has been shown by the development and use of nanofiber formulations in medicine. However, challenges and limitations associated with nanofibers in medicine exist, such as reproducibility, proper characterization, and biological evaluation. By providing a biomimetic environment that enhances re-epithelialization and facilitates the delivery of active substances, nanofibers promote wound healing. In accelerating wound healing, promising results have been shown by HA-contained nanofiber formulations in diabetic wounds. Key strategies employed by these formulations include revascularization, modulation of the inflammation microenvironment, delivery of active substances, photothermal nanofibers, and nanoparticle-loaded fabrics. Particularly crucial is revascularization as it restores blood flow to the wound area, promoting healing. Wound healing can also be enhanced by modulating the inflammation microenvironment through controlling inflammation levels. Future perspectives in this field involve addressing the current challenges and limitations of nanofiber technology and further optimizing HA-contained nanofiber formulations for improved efficacy in diabetic wound healing. This includes exploring new fabrication techniques, enhancing the biocompatibility and biodegradability of nanofibers, and developing multifunctional nanofibers for targeted drug delivery. Not only does writing a review in the field of nanofiber-based wound dressings, particularly those containing hyaluronic acid, allow us to consolidate our current knowledge and understanding but also broadens our horizons. An opportunity is provided to delve deeper into the intricacies of this innovative therapeutic strategy, explore its potential and limitations, and envision future directions. By doing so, a contribution can be made to the ongoing advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients with diabetic wounds.

Alginate/hyaluronic acid-based systems as a new generation of wound dressings: A review

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, which acts as a protective barrier against pathogens. Therefore, a lot of research has been carried out on wound care and healing. Creating an ideal environment for wound healing and optimizing the local and systemic conditions of the patient play critical roles in successful wound care. Many products have been developed for improving the wound environment and providing a protected and moist area for fast healing. However, there is still high demand for new systems with high efficiency. The first generation of wound dressings merely covered the wound, while the subsequent/last generations covered it and aided in healing it in different ways. In modern wound dressings, the kind of used materials and their complexity play a crucial role in the healing process. These new systems support wound healing by lowering inflammation, exudate, slough, and bacteria. This study addresses a review of alginate/hyaluronic acid-based wound dressings developed so far as well as binary and ternary systems and their role in wound healing. Our review corroborates that these systems can open up a new horizon for wounds that do not respond to usual treatments and have a long curing period.

Juniperus oxycedrus L. ssp. Essential Oil Microneedles: A Promising Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Activity

The use of essential oil (EO) in treating infected wounds is still challenging. A lot of effort has been made to make such an application more convenient. Recently, microneedles (MNDs) have been considered as a smart dermal delivery system to overcome the poor absorption and distribution, low bioavailability, and skin penetration of some drugs. The aim of our study is to evaluate the wound healing activity of juniper-EO-loaded MNDs (EO MNDs) against wounds with bacterial and fungal infection. The Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) MNDs were prepared using the gel-filled mold technique and loaded with juniper EO. In vivo models were created and wounds on rats were infected with two clinically isolated bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, Candida albicans was used to mimic fungal infection and juniper EO MNDs were tested. The obtained results showed an improvement in wound healing which started from the third day after application of the juniper EO MNDs, and at the sixth day post-infection, the treated wounds were significantly smaller than untreated wounds. A complete healing was shown by the 12th day after infection. Furthermore, our cytotoxicity results showed a cytotoxic effect of juniper EO MNDs on epithelial cells, which explained the faster wound healing in rats. Our study showed that juniper EO MNDs represent a novel strategy in EO delivery with minimal invasion. Juniper EO MNDs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against both the bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and against one fungal strain, Candida albicans. Finally, application of juniper EO MNDs exerted promising activity in the treatment and healing of wound infection.

Enhanced drug delivery and wound healing potential of berberine-loaded chitosan-alginate nanocomposite gel: characterization and in vivo assessment

Berberine-encapsulated polyelectrolyte nanocomposite (BR-PolyET-NC) gel was developed as a long-acting improved wound healing therapy. BR-PolyET-NC was developed using an ionic gelation/complexation method and thereafter loaded into Carbopol gel. Formulation was optimized using Design-Expert® software implementing a three-level, three-factor Box Behnken design (BBD). The concentrations of polymers, namely, chitosan and alginate, and calcium chloride were investigated based on particle size and %EE. Moreover, formulation characterized in vitro for biopharmaceutical performances and their wound healing potency was evaluated in vivo in adult BALB/c mice. The particle distribution analysis showed a nanocomposite size of 71 ± 3.5 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.45, ζ-potential of +22 mV, BR entrapment of 91 ± 1.6%, and loading efficiency of 12.5 ± 0.91%. Percentage drug release was recorded as 89.50 ± 6.9% with pH 6.8, thereby simulating the wound microenvironment. The in vitro investigation of the nanocomposite gel revealed uniform consistency, well spreadability, and extrudability, which are ideal for topical wound use. The analytical estimation executed using FT-IR, DSC, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated successful formulation with no drug excipients and without the amorphous state. The colony count of microbes was greatly reduced in the BR-PolyET-NC treated group on the 15th day from up to 6 CFU compared to 20 CFU observed in the BR gel treated group. The numbers of monocytes and lymphocytes counts were significantly reduced following healing progression, which reached to a peak level and vanished on the 15th day. The observed experimental characterization and in vivo study indicated the effectiveness of the developed BR-PolyET-NC gel toward wound closure and healing process, and it was found that >99% of the wound closed by 15th day, stimulated via various anti-inflammatory and angiogenic factors.

In Situ Hydrogel Formulation for Advanced Wound Dressing: Influence of Co-Solvents and Functional Excipient on Tailored Alginate-Pectin-Chitosan Blend Gelation Kinetics, Adhesiveness, and Performance

Chronic skin wounds affect more than 40 million patients worldwide, representing a huge problem for healthcare systems. This study elucidates the optimization of an in situ gelling polymer blend powder for biomedical applications through the use of co-solvents and functional excipients, underlining the possibility of tailoring microparticulate powder properties to generate, in situ, hydrogels with advanced properties that are able to improve wound management and patient well-being. The blend was composed of alginate, pectin, and chitosan (APC). Various co-solvents (ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone), and salt excipients (sodium bicarbonate and ammonium carbonate) were used to modulate the gelation kinetics, rheology, adhesiveness, and water vapor transmission rate of the gels. The use of co-solvents significantly influenced particle size (mean diameter ranging from 2.91 to 5.05 µm), depending on the solvent removal rate. Hydrogels obtained using ethanol were able to absorb over 15 times their weight in simulated wound fluid within just 5 min, whereas when sodium bicarbonate was used, complete gelation was achieved in less than 30 s. Such improvement was related to the internal microporous network typical of the particle matrix obtained with the use of co-solvents, whereas sodium bicarbonate was able to promote the formation of allowed particles. Specific formulations demonstrated an optimal water vapor transmission rate, enhanced viscoelastic properties, gel stiffness, and adhesiveness (7.7 to 9.9 kPa), facilitating an atraumatic removal post-use with minimized risk of unintended removal. Microscopic analysis unveiled that porous inner structures were influencing fluid uptake, gel formation, and transpiration. In summary, this study provided valuable insights for optimizing tailored APC hydrogels as advanced wound dressings for chronic wounds, including vascular ulcers, pressure ulcers, and partial and full-thickness wounds, characterized by a high production of exudate.

Chitosan-Based Dressing as a Sustained Delivery System for Bioactive Cytokines

Wounds represent a common occurrence in human life. Consequently, scientific investigations are underway to advance wound healing methodologies, with a notable focus on dressings imbued with biologically active compounds capable of orchestrating the wound microenvironment through meticulously regulated release mechanisms. Among these bioactive agents are cytokines, which, when administered to the wound milieu without appropriate protection, undergo rapid loss of their functional attributes. Within the context of this research, we present a method for fabricating dressings enriched with G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) or GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor), showcasing both biological activity and protracted release dynamics. Based on Ligasano, a commercial polyurethane foam dressing, and chitosan crosslinked with TPP (sodium tripolyphosphate), these dressings are noncytotoxic and enable cytokine incorporation. The recovery of cytokines from dressings varied based on the dressing preparation and storage techniques (without modification, drying, freeze-drying followed by storage at 4 °C or freeze-drying followed by storage at 24 °C) and cytokine type. Generally, drying reduced cytokine levels and their bioactivity, especially with G-CSF. The recovery of G-CSF from unmodified dressings was lower compared to GM-CSF (60% vs. 80%). In summary, our freeze-drying approach enables the storage of G-CSF or GM-CSF enriched dressings at 24 °C with minimal cytokine loss, preserving their biological activity and thus enhancing future clinical availability.

Injectable thermogel incorporating reactive oxygen species scavenger and nitric oxide donor to accelerate the healing process of diabetic wounds

The healing of diabetic wounds is challenging due to redox imbalances. Herein, the thermogelling system AR-ACP hydrogel, with encapsulated biosafe nitric oxide (NO) donor L-arginine and resveratrol as an ROS scavenger, is established for sustainable wound therapy in the diabetic state. The innovated AR-ACP hydrogel dressings shows the sol-gel transition at 34 °C, allowing the hydrogel to fully cover wounds. The combination of L-arginine and resveratrol showed a prominent effect on anti-oxidative activity. The elimination of superoxide anions from the activated immune cells/oxidative cells by resveratrol maintained the NO-proangiogenic factors generated from L-arginine. Furthermore, the AR-ACP hydrogel endowed outstanding features such as haemocompatibility, non-skin irradiation as well as antibacterial activity. In the in vivo diabetic mice model, complete epidermal regeneration comparable to undamaged skin was observed with AR-ACP hydrogel. The synergy between L-arginine and resveratrol in the ACP hydrogel facilitated neovascularisation in the early stage, resulting in the higher balance in cellularity growth and collagen deposition in the dermal layer compared to control groups. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the use of a customised ACP-based hydrogel, with the additional L-arginine and resveratrol, resulted in significant skin regeneration in the diabetic state.

Evaluating Gelatin-Based Films with Graphene Nanoparticles for Wound Healing Applications

In this study, gelatin-based films containing graphene nanoparticles were obtained. Nanoparticles were taken from four chosen commercial graphene nanoplatelets with different surface areas, such as 150 m2/g, 300 m2/g, 500 m2/g, and 750 m2/g, obtained in different conditions. Their morphology was observed using SEM with STEM mode; porosity, Raman spectra and elemental analysis were checked; and biological properties, such as hemolysis and cytotoxicity, were evaluated. Then, the selected biocompatible nanoparticles were used as the gelatin film modification with 10% concentration. As a result of solvent evaporation, homogeneous thin films were obtained. The surface's properties, mechanical strength, antioxidant activity, and water vapor permeation rate were examined to select the appropriate film for biomedical applications. We found that the addition of graphene nanoplatelets had a significant effect on the properties of materials, improving surface roughness, surface free energy, antioxidant activity, tensile strength, and Young's modulus. For the most favorable candidate for wound dressing applications, we chose a gelatin film containing nanoparticles with a surface area of 500 m2/g.

3D printed drug loaded nanomaterials for wound healing applications

Wounds are a stern healthcare concern in the growth of chronic disease conditions as they can increase healthcare costs and complicate internal and external health. Advancements in the current and newer management systems for wound healing should be in place to counter the health burden of wounds. Researchers discovered that two-dimensional (2D) media lacks appropriate real-life detection of cellular matter as these have highly complicated and diverse structures, compositions, and interactions. Hence, innovation towards three-dimensional (3D) media is called to conquer the high-level assessment and characterization in vivo using new technologies. The application of modern wound dressings prepared from a degenerated natural tissue, biodegradable biopolymer, synthetic polymer, or a composite of these materials in wound healing is currently an area of innovation in tissue regeneration medicine. Moreover, the integration of 3D printing and nanomaterial science is a promising approach with the potential for individualized, flexible, and precise technology for wound care approaches. This review encompasses the outcomes of various investigations on recent advances in 3D-printed drug-loaded natural, synthetic, and composite nanomaterials for wound healing. The challenges associated with their fabrication, clinical application progress, and future perspectives are also addressed.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis methods and applications in wound healing

Wound care and treatment can be critical from a clinical standpoint. While different strategies for the management and treatment of skin wounds have been developed, the limitations inherent in the current approaches necessitate the development of more effective alternative strategies. Advances in tissue engineering have resulted in the development of novel promising approaches for accelerating wound healing. The use of various biomaterials capable of accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissue is critical in tissue engineering. In this regard, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have recently received much attention because of their excellent biological properties, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic features. The incorporation of CeO2 NPs into various polymer-based scaffolds developed for wound healing applications has led to accelerated wound healing due to the presence of CeO2 NPs. This paper discusses the structure and functions of the skin, the wound healing process, different methods for the synthesis of CeO2 NPs, the biological properties of CeO2 NPs, the role of CeO2 NPs in wound healing, the use of scaffolds containing CeO2 NPs for wound healing applications, and the potential toxicity of CeO2 NPs.

Adhesive injectable cellulose-based hydrogels with rapid self-healing and sustained drug release capability for promoting wound healing

Injectable biocompatible hydrogels with multiple functions, including self-healing, adhesion, antibacterial activity, and suitable mechanical properties, are highly desirable for enhancing wound healing. In this study, a new class of multi-functional injectable self-healing cellulose-based hydrogels was synthesised using dynamic covalent acylhydrazone linkages for wound dressing. The carboxymethyl cellulose-graft-adipic dihydrazide (CMC-ADH)/4-Formylbenzoic acid-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-FBA) (CMC-ADH/PEG-FBA) hydrogels have adjustable gelation time and excellent self-healing ability. In addition, drug release and in vitro antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria confirmed the sustained drug-release capacity of the hydrogels. Moreover, haemostasis and wound-healing effects were investigated using an in vivo haemorrhaging liver mouse model and a full-thickness skin defect model, and the results indicated that they not only promoted the wound-healing process but also presented excellent haemostatic effects. The CMC-ADH/PEG-FBA gels also exhibited good adhesion to irregular wounds and significantly enhanced angiogenic ability in vivo. This excellent wound-healing performance occurs because hydrogels can quickly stop bleeding, provide a moist and closed environment for the wound to prevent bacterial invasion, release ciprofloxacin (CIP), reduce inflammatory reactions, and promote wound tissue regeneration. In summary, the synthesised multi-functional gels are ideal candidates for treating haemorrhages and irregular wounds.