Cerium oxide nanoparticle-containing poly (ε-caprolactone)/gelatin electrospun film as a potential wound dressing material: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

Characterization of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan nanofibers loaded with royal jelly by blending electrospinning for potential wound dressings

This study aimed to fabricate a polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) nanofiber loaded with royal jelly (RJ) using blending electrospinning for potential wound dressings. The different PVA/CS ratios in electrospun nanofibers resulted in continuous nanofibers with an average diameter ranging from 219 to 299 nm. The FTIR spectra indicated that RJ was successfully incorporated into the nanofibers through hydrogen bonding with PVA/CS, which was further confirmed by the subsequent TGA experiments. Meanwhile, the RJ/PVA/CS nanofibers exhibited excellent water vapor permeability and hydrophilic properties. The encapsulation efficiency of RJ reached the maximum value of 89.00 %, while the cumulative release rate was up to 84.87 %. Furthermore, the RJ/PVA/CS nanofibers could inhibit the growth of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). The optimal PVA/CS ratio was determined to be 7:3, achieving inhibition rates of 97.83 % for S. aureus and 72.08 % for E. coli, demonstrating an excellent antibacterial performance. Therefore, this study successfully fabricated a wound dressing nanofiber with potential antibacterial efficacy.

Fabrication of Chitosan/PEO/Rosmarinic acid based nanofibrous mat for diabetic burn wound healing and its anti-bacterial efficacy in mice

The pathophysiological relationship between wound healing impairment and diabetes is an intricate process. Burn injury among diabetes patients leads to neurological, vascular, and immunological abnormalities along with impaired activities of cell proliferation, collagen production, growth factors, and cytokine activities with huge bacterial infestation. In our study, we aimed to achieve a burn wound dressing material with the help of electrospun Chitosan/Polyethylene oxide/Rosmarinic acid (CS/PEO/RA) nanofibers. Chitosan is known for its biocompatibility and anti-bacterial properties; however, the electrospinning of CS requires a co-polymer such as PEO, a synthetic biodegradable polymer. With the addition of a low concentration of RA, known for its antibacterial, antioxidative nature, we enhanced the antibacterial efficacy of the electrospun nanofiber. Electrospinning CS/PEO/RA, we were able to develop a non-toxic scaffold with fibers having an average diameter of 127.035 nm, mimicking the extracellular matrix and exhibiting sustained drug release. Excellent antimicrobial activity was observed against the identified bacterial species. It showed increased wound contraction and reduced scar formation in the diabetic mice model along with rapid repair of the damaged epithelial barrier. It enhanced the production of collagen, elastin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Thus, it justifies itself as a diabetic burn wound dressing at low drug concentration.

Evaluation of Burn Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration in Animal Model Using Alginate/PVA Nanofibrous Wound Dressings Containing Dragon's Blood

The challenge of healing burn wounds is significant importance in global healthcare systems, with a high demand for advanced wound dressings to aid in the treatment of such injuries. Promising options include bioactive electrospun scaffolds made from polymers with antimicrobial properties, which can prevent infections and promote faster healing. This study involved the creation of a nanofibrous scaffold using the electrospinning technique, which consisted of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alginate (Alg), and Dragon's blood (DB). The scaffold was then analyzed for both its morphology and chemical composition. Results indicated that the DB was present in the nanofibrous scaffold, which had a uniform and unbranched appearance with fibers measuring approximately 300-400 nm in diameter. Additionally, mechanical property testing revealed promising results that fall within the range of human skin. The scaffold's wound healing potential was evaluated through various measurements, including water contact angle, drug release, water vapor permeability, blood compatibility, blood clotting index, and antibacterial activity. Results from an in vivo study on burn wounds showed that scaffolds containing 20% DB exhibited excellent wound healing ability with 80.3% wound closure after 21 days. This was attributed to the highest collagen synthesis, re-epithelization and remodeling of the burned skin. Therefore, PVA/Alg/DB nanofibrous scaffolds hold promise as a wound dressing to treat burn injuries.

Multifunctional Hydrogel with Photothermal ROS Scavenging and Antibacterial Activity Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing

Poor diabetic wound healing poses a critical threat to human health. Excessive oxidative stress and increased susceptibility to bacterial infection are key issues that impede diabetic wound healing. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have attracted increasing attention because of their unique antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Here, this work designs a near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/CeO2/polydopamine (PDA) hydrogel with antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The hydrogel exhibits a stable, efficient, and controllable photothermal conversion capacity under NIR stimulation. The hydrogel can be used to construct a local microenvironment conducive to chronic diabetic wound healing. Significant antibacterial effects of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel on both Escherichia coli (E.coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are demonstrated by counting colony-forming units (CFUs) and in bacterial live/dead staining experiments. The strong antioxidant activity of hydrogels is demonstrated by measuring the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effect of the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel in terms of promoting diabetic wound healing is validated in full-thickness cutaneous wounds of diabetic rat models. Additionally, this work describes the mechanism by which the NIR-responsive GelMA/CeO2/PDA hydrogel promotes diabetic wound healing; the hydrogel inhibits the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway. This NIR-responsive, multifunctional hydrogel dressing provides a targeted approach to diabetic wound healing.

Periodic Table of Immunomodulatory Elements and Derived Two-Dimensional Biomaterials

Periodic table of chemical elements serves as the foundation of material chemistry, impacting human health in many different ways. It contributes to the creation, growth, and manipulation of functional metallic, ceramic, metalloid, polymeric, and carbon-based materials on and near an atomic scale. Recent nanotechnology advancements have revolutionized the field of biomedical engineering to tackle longstanding clinical challenges. The use of nano-biomaterials has gained traction in medicine, specifically in the areas of nano-immunoengineering to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have been found to possess high bioactive surface area and compatibility with human and mammalian cells at controlled doses. Furthermore, these biomaterials have intrinsic immunomodulatory properties, which is crucial for their application in immuno-nanomedicine. While significant progress has been made in understanding their bioactivity and biocompatibility, the exact immunomodulatory responses and mechanisms of these materials are still being explored. Current work outlines an innovative "immunomodulatory periodic table of elements" beyond the periodic table of life, medicine, and microbial genomics and comprehensively reviews the role of each element in designing immunoengineered 2D biomaterials in a group-wise manner. It recapitulates the most recent advances in immunomodulatory nanomaterials, paving the way for the development of new mono, hybrid, composite, and hetero-structured biomaterials.

Efficacy of 3D-printed chitosan‑cerium oxide dressings coated with vancomycin-loaded alginate for chronic wounds management

Multifunctional wound dressings with antibacterial and antioxidant properties hold significant promise for treating chronic wounds; however, achieving a balance of these characteristics while maintaining biocompatibility is challenging. To enhance this balance, this study focuses on the design and development of 3D-printed chitosan-matrix composite scaffolds, which are incorporated with varying amounts of cerium oxide nanoparticles (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) and subsequently coated with a vancomycin-loaded alginate layer. The structure, antibiotic drug delivery kinetics, biodegradation, swelling, biocompatibility, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cell migration behaviors of the fabricated dressings were evaluated in-vitro. The findings reveal that all of the formulations demonstrated a robust antibacterial effect against S. aureus bacterial strains in disk diffusion tests. Furthermore, the dressings containing cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibited proper antioxidant capabilities, with over 78.1 % reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging efficiency achieved with 7 % cerium oxide nanoparticles. The sample containing 5 % cerium oxide nanoparticles was identified as the optimal formulation, characterized by the most favorable cell biocompatibility, an ROS scavenging ability of over 73.4 %, and the potential to close the wound bed within 24 h. This study highlights that these dressings are promising for managing chronic wounds by preventing infection and oxidative stress in a correct therapeutic sequence.

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes meet antibacterial nanomaterials: From preparation strategies to biomedical applications

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (eNFMs) have been extensively developed for bio-applications due to their structural and compositional similarity to the natural extracellular matrix. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections significantly impedes the further development and applications of eNFMs. The development of antibacterial nanomaterials substantially nourishes the engineering design of antibacterial eNFMs for combating bacterial infections without relying on antibiotics. Herein, a comprehensive review of diverse fabrication techniques for incorporating antibacterial nanomaterials into eNFMs is presented, encompassing an exhaustive introduction to various nanomaterials and their bactericidal mechanisms. Furthermore, the latest achievements and breakthroughs in the application of these antibacterial eNFMs in tissue regenerative therapy, mainly focusing on skin, bone, periodontal and tendon tissues regeneration and repair, are systematically summarized and discussed. In particular, for the treatment of skin infection wounds, we highlight the antibiotic-free antibacterial therapy strategies of antibacterial eNFMs, including (i) single model therapies such as metal ion therapy, chemodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy; and (ii) multi-model therapies involving arbitrary combinations of these single models. Additionally, the limitations, challenges and future opportunities of antibacterial eNFMs in biomedical applications are also discussed. We anticipate that this comprehensive review will provide novel insights for the design and utilization of antibacterial eNFMs in future research.

Preparation and characterization of Pistacia atlantica oleo-gum-resin-loaded electrospun nanofibers and evaluating its wound healing activity in two rat models of skin scar and burn wound

Background

A growing body of research is dedicated to developing new therapeutic agents for wound healing with fewer adverse effects. One of the proceedings being taken today in wound healing research is to identify promising biological materials that not only heal wounds but also vanish scarring. The effectiveness of nanofibers like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), in improving wound healing can be related to their unique properties. Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. kurdica (Zohary) Rech. f. (PAK) [Anacardiaceae], also known as "Baneh" in traditional Iranian medicine, is one of the most effective herbal remedies for the treatment of different diseases like skin injuries due to its numerous pharmacological and biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial effects.

Purpose

Our study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing activity of nanofibers containing PVA/PAK oleo-gum-resin in two rat models of burn and excision wound repair.

Material and Methods

PVA/PKA nanofibers were prepared using the electrospinning method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and mechanical properties of nanofibers were explored. Diffusion and releasing experiments of nanofibers were performed by the UV visible method at different time intervals and up to 72 h. The animal models were induced by excision and burn in Wistar rat's skin and the wound surface area was measured during the experiment for 10 and 21 days, respectively. On the last day, the wound tissue was removed for histological studies, and serum oxidative factors were measured to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the PVA/PKA. Data analysis was performed using ImageJ, Expert Design, and statistical analysis methods.

Results and discussion

PVA/PKA nanofibers were electrospun at different voltages (15, 18, and 20 kV). The most suitable fibers were obtained when the nozzle was positioned 15 cm away from the collector, with a working voltage of 15 kV, and an injection rate of 0.5 mm per hour, using the 30:70 w/v PKA gum. In the SEM images, it was found that the surface tension of the polymer solution decreased by adding the gum and yield thinner and longer fibers at a voltage of 15 kV with an average diameter of 96 ± 24 nm. The mechanical properties of PVA/PKA nanofibers showed that the presence of gum increased the tensile strength and decreased the tensile strength of the fibers simultaneously. In vivo results showed that PVA/PKA nanofibers led to a significant reduction in wound size and tissue damage (regeneration of the epidermal layer, higher density of dermal collagen fibers, and lower presence of inflammatory cells) compared to the positive (phenytoin and silver sulfadiazine) and negative control (untreated) groups. Wound contraction was higher in rats treated with PVA/PKA nanofibers. Additionally, antioxidative serum levels of catalase and glutathione were higher in the PVA/PKA nanofiber groups even in comparison to positive control groups.

Conclusion

Pistacia atlantica oleo-gum-resin-loaded electrospun nanofibers potentially improve excision and burn models of skin scars in rats through antioxidative and tissue regeneration mechanisms.

Inula helenium extract and lidocaine-loaded electrospun wound dressings for managing skin wounds pain and their healing: An in vitro and in vivo study

The skin injuries pose a substantial public health challenge, not only due to their physical trauma but also the accompanying pain and complexities in wound healing. In the current research, Inula helenium extract and lidocaine were loaded into electrospun PVA/calcium alginate nanofibers to promote skin wounds healing and alleviate the resulting pain. Various in vitro experiments were utilized to characterize these dressings. Wound healing potential of these constructs and their analgesic effects were studied in a rat model of skin wounds. Our developed scaffolds released the loaded drugs in a slow manner and showed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Fiber size measurement showed that drug-loaded and drug-free scaffolds had around 418.025 ± 140.11 nm and 505.51 ± 93.29 nm mean fiber size, respectively. Bacterial penetration assay confirmed that drug-loaded scaffolds reduced bacterial infiltration through the matrices. Wound healing study showed that on day 14th, the dressings loaded with inula helenium extract and lidocaine could close the wounds up to 91.26 ± 5.93%. In addition, these scaffolds significantly reduced the animals pain sensitivity. ELISA assay results implied that these dressings modulated inflammation and reduced tissue's oxidative stress.

Diabetic wound healing function of PCL/cellulose acetate nanofiber engineered with chitosan/cerium oxide nanoparticles

The use of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) in diabetic wound repair substances has shown promising results. Therefore, the study was conducted to introduce a novel nano-based wound dressing containing chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with green synthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles using Thymus vulgaris extract (CeO2-CSNPs). The physical properties and structure of the nanoparticles were analyzed using XRD, DLS, FESEM and FTIR techniques. The electrospun PCL/cellulose acetate-based nanofiber was prepared and CeO2-CSNPs were integrated on the PCL/CA membrane by electrospraying. The physicochemical properties, morphology and biological characteristics of the electrospun nanocomposite were evaluated. The results showed that the nanocomposite with 0.1 % CeO2-CSNPs exhibited high antibacterial performance against S. aureus (<58.59 µg/mL). The PCL/CA/CeO2-CSNPs nanofiber showed significant antioxidant activity up to 89.59 %, cell viability improvement, and cell migration promotion up to 90.3 % after 48 h. The in vivo diabetic wound healing experiment revealed that PCL/CA/CeO2-CSNPs nanofibers can significantly increase the repair rate of diabetic wounds by up to 95.47 % after 15 days. The results of this research suggest that PCL/CA nanofiber mats functionalized with CeO2-CSNPs have the potential to be highly effective in treating diabetes-related wounds.

CeO2 Nanoparticles to Promote Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

Cerium (Ce) is a hot topic in the field of materials research due to its electronic layer structure and the unique antioxidant abilities of its oxide (CeO2 ). Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) demonstrate their potential as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent. Current research focuses on whether they can be used to promote wound healing and in what manner. This article provides a systematic review of the various forms of CeO2 NPs that are used in wound-healing materials over the past decade, as well as the effectiveness demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro experiments, with a focus on the relationship between concentration and effectiveness. CeO2 NPs are expected to become effective ingredients in dressings that require antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing promoting properties. This article serves as a reference for further research and clinical applications of nano-sized CeO2 in wound healing.

Guiding the Path to Healing: CuO2 -Laden Nanocomposite Membrane for Diabetic Wound Treatment

Diabetic chronic wounds pose significant clinical challenges due to their characteristic features of impaired extracellular matrix (ECM) function, diminished angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infection. To tackle these challenges and provide a comprehensive therapeutic approach for diabetic wounds, the first coaxial electrospun nanocomposite membrane is developed that incorporates multifunctional copper peroxide nanoparticles (n-CuO2 ). The membrane's nanofiber possesses a unique "core/sheath" structure consisting of n-CuO2 +PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)/PCL (Polycaprolactone) composite sheath and a PCL core. When exposed to the wound's moist environment, PVP within the sheath gradually disintegrates, releasing the embedded n-CuO2 . Under a weakly acidic microenvironment (typically diabetic and infected wounds), n-CuO2 decomposes to release H2 O2 and Cu2+ ions and subsequently produce ·OH through chemodynamic reactions. This enables the anti-bacterial activity mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressing the inflammation while enhancing angiogenesis. At the same time, the dissolution of PVP unveils unique nano-grooved surface patterns on the nanofibers, providing desirable cell-guiding function required for accelerated skin regeneration. Through meticulous material selection and design, this study pioneers the development of functional nanocomposites for multi-modal wound therapy, which holds great promise in guiding the path to healing for diabetic wounds.

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.

Immobilization of Papain in Chitosan Membranes as a Potential Alternative for Skin Wounds

Papain (an enzyme from the latex of Carica papaya) is an interesting natural bioactive macromolecule used as therapeutic alternative for wound healing due to debridement action in devitalized or necrotic tissues. However, its use in high doses can induce potential skin irritation and side effects. In this study, experiments explored the ability of chitosan membrane to immobilize papain, consequently improving enzymatic activity and controlling enzyme release. Papain-loading capacity was tested via experiments of force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-FEG), and X-ray diffraction analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal analyses assessed the enzyme interactions with the copolymer. The investigation of the feasibility of membranes included pH on the surface, elasticity, and breaking strength measurements. The surface wettability and swelling capacity of different formulations revealed the best formulation for in vitro papain release experiments. The membranes had a transparent, rough, crystalline characteristic, which was homogeneous with the membrane within the neutrality. The immobilization of papain in the chitosan membrane resulted in a decrease in the vibration band characteristic of pure papain, suggesting a displacement in the vibration bands in the FTIR spectrum. The presence of papain decreased hydrophobicity on the surface of the membrane and disturbed the membrane's ability to swell. Chitosan membranes containing papain 2.5% (0.04 g) and 5.0% (0.08 g) preserved feasible properties and improved the enzymatic activity compared (0.87 ± 0.12 AU/mg and 1.59 ± 0.10 AU/mg) with a free papain sample (0.0042 ± 0.001 AU/mg). Concentrations of over 10% (0.16 g) led to phase separation into membranes. Chitosan membranes exhibited a slow papain release behavior adjusted via the Higushi model. The experimental achievements suggest a novel and promising method for the enhancement of papain. The results indicate the potential for prolonged bioactivity for use on wounds.

Nanofibrous polycaprolactone/gelatin scaffold containing gold nanoparticles: Physicochemical and biological characterization for wound healing

In this study, gold nanoparticles were loaded into poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin nanofibrous matrices to fabricate a potential wound dressing. The mats were produced by electrospinning of PCL/gelatin solution supplemented with synthesized gold nanoparticles (200, 400 and 800 ppm). Prepared scaffolds were investigated regarding their chemical properties, morphology, mechanical properties, surface wettability, water-uptake capacity, water vapor permeability, porosity, blood compatibility, microbial penetration test and cellular response. In addition to in vivo study, a full-thickness excisional wound in a rat model was used to evaluate the healing effect of prepared scaffolds. Results showed appropriate mechanical properties and porosity of prepared scaffolds. With L929 cells, the PCL/gelatin scaffold containing 400 ppm gold nanoparticles demonstrated the greatest cell growth. In vivo results validated the favorable wound-healing benefits of the scaffold incorporating gold nanoparticles, which triggered wound healing compared to sterile gauze. Our results showed the capability of nanofibrous matrices containing gold nanoparticles for successful wound treatment.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles in diabetic foot ulcer management: Advances, limitations, and future directions

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, potentially resulting in wound infection and amputation under severe circumstances. Oxidative stress and dysbiosis are the primary factors that delay wound healing, posing challenges to effective treatment. Unfortunately, conventional approaches in these aspects have proven satisfactory in achieving curative outcomes. Recent research has increasingly focused on using nanoparticles, leveraging their potential in wound dressing and medication delivery. Their unique physical properties further enhance their therapeutic effectiveness. Among these nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) have garnered attention due to their notable beneficial effects on oxidative stress and microbial abundance, thus representing a promising therapeutic avenue for DFU. This review comprehensively assesses recent studies on CONPs in treating DFU. Furthermore, we elaborate on the wound healing process, ceria synthesis, and incorporating CONPs with other materials. Crucially, a thorough evaluation of CONPs' toxicity as a novel metallic nanomaterial for therapeutic use must precede their formal clinical application. Additionally, we identify the current challenges CONPs encounter and propose future directions for their development.

Biocompatibility Assessment of Polycaprolactone/Polylactic Acid/Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Composites under In Vivo Conditions for Biomedical Applications

The increasing demand for non-invasive biocompatible materials in biomedical applications, driven by accidents and diseases like cancer, has led to the development of sustainable biomaterials. Here, we report the synthesis of four block formulations using polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for subdermal tissue regeneration. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the composition of the composites. Additionally, the interaction of ZnO-NPs mainly occurred with the C=O groups of PCL occurring at 1724 cm-1, which disappears for F4, as evidenced in the FT-IR analysis. Likewise, this interaction evidenced the decrease in the crystallinity of the composites as they act as crosslinking points between the polymer backbones, inducing gaps between them and weakening the strength of the intermolecular bonds. Thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses confirmed that the ZnO-NPs bind to the carbonyl groups of the polymer, acting as weak points in the polymer backbone from where the different fragmentations occur. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the increase in ZnO-NPs facilitated a more compact surface due to the excellent dispersion and homogeneous accumulation between the polymeric chains, facilitating this morphology. The in vivo studies using the nanocomposites demonstrated the degradation/resorption of the blocks in a ZnO-NP-dependant mode. After degradation, collagen fibers (Type I), blood vessels, and inflammatory cells continue the resorption of the implanted material. The results reported here demonstrate the relevance and potential impact of the ZnO-NP-based scaffolds in soft tissue regeneration.

Structural and functional insights in polysaccharides coated cerium oxide nanoparticles and their potential biomedical applications: A review

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have now significant presence in biomedical fields due to their wide applications; however, challenges regarding their safety and biocompatibility persist. Polysaccharides based biopolymers have inherent hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, enabling them to govern the surface functionalization of cerium oxide nanoparticles, hence their chemical and physical characteristics. Because of this, polysaccharides such as dextran, alginate, pullulan, chitosan, polylactic acid, starch, and pectin are practical substitutes for the conventional coatings used to synthesize cerium oxide nanoparticles. This review discusses the effect of biopolymer coatings on the properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles, such as size, stability, aggregation, and biocompatibility. Additionally, it also summarises various biomedical applications of polysaccharides coated cerium oxide nanoparticles, such as in bone tissue regeneration, liver inflammation, wound healing, and antibacterial and anticancer activities. Biocompatible cerium oxide nanoparticles will surely improve their applications in the biomedical field.

Therapeutic Potential of Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of Phytoconstituents for Wound Healing: Their Current Status and Future Perspective

The treatment of wounds is a serious problem all over the world and imposes a huge financial burden on each and every nation. For a long time, researchers have explored wound dressing that speeds up wound healing. Traditional wound dressing does not respond effectively to the wound-healing process as expected. Therapeutic active derived from plant extracts and extracted bioactive components have been employed in various regions of the globe since ancient times for the purpose of illness, prevention, and therapy. About 200 years ago, most medical treatments were based on herbal remedies. Especially in the West, the usage of herbal treatments began to wane in the 1960s as a result of the rise of allopathic medicine. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in and demand for herbal medicines for a number of reasons, including claims about their efficacy, shifting consumer preferences toward natural medicines, high costs and negative side effects of modern medicines, and advancements in herbal medicines brought about by scientific research and technological innovation. The exploration of medicinal plants and their typical uses could potentially result in advanced pharmaceuticals that exhibit reduced adverse effects. This review aims to present an overview of the utilization of nanocarriers in plant-based therapeutics, including its current status, recent advancements, challenges, and future prospects. The objective is to equip researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the historical background, current state, and potential future developments in this emerging field. In light of this, the advantages of nanocarriers based delivery of natural wound healing treatments have been discussed, with a focus on nanofibers, nanoparticles, nano-emulsion, and nanogels.

Fabrication and Characterization of Polylactic Acid Electrospun Wound Dressing Modified with Polyethylene Glycol, Rosmarinic Acid and Graphite Oxide

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer made from natural sources, and its electrospinning (e-spinning) nanofiber membrane doped with antibacterial ingredients is widely used in the field of medical dressings. In this research, 9 wt% of rosmarinic acid (RosA) and 0.04 wt% of graphite oxide (GO) with synergistic antibacterial activity were introduced into the e-spinning PLA precursor solution, and the obtained PLA nanofiber membrane showed good antibacterial properties and wound healing effects. At the same time, a nonionic amphiphilic polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), was also introduced into this system to improve the hydrophilicity of the e-spinning membrane for wound healing application. The morphological characterization showed the RosA/GO and PEG did not affect the e-spinning of PLA. The tests of mechanical performance and wettability demonstrated that PEG and RosA/GO incorporated in PLA have migrated easily to the surface of the fiber. The e-spun PLA/PEG/RosA/GO membrane showed good antibacterial activity and promoted initial wound healing quickly, which would be a promising application in wound dressing.

Extracellular Matrix-Based and Electrospun Scaffolding Systems for Vaginal Reconstruction

Congenital vaginal anomalies and pelvic organ prolapse affect different age groups of women and both have significant negative impacts on patients' psychological well-being and quality of life. While surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for vaginal defects, their efficacy is limited, and they often result in long-term complications. Therefore, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Fortunately, tissue-engineered scaffolds are promising new treatment modalities that provide an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like environment for vaginal cells to adhere, secrete ECM, and be remodeled by host cells. To this end, ECM-based scaffolds or the constructs that resemble ECM, generated by self-assembly, decellularization, or electrospinning techniques, have gained attention from both clinicians and researchers. These biomimetic scaffolds are highly similar to the native vaginal ECM and have great potential for clinical translation. This review article aims to discuss recent applications, challenges, and future perspectives of these scaffolds in vaginal reconstruction or repair strategies.

Transforming Wound Management: Nanomaterials and Their Clinical Impact

Wound healing is a complex process that can be further complicated in chronic wounds, leading to prolonged healing times, high healthcare costs, and potential patient morbidity. Nanotechnology has shown great promise in developing advanced wound dressings that promote wound healing and prevent infection. The review article presents a comprehensive search strategy that was applied to four databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using specific keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria to select a representative sample of 164 research articles published between 2001 and 2023. This review article provides an updated overview of the different types of nanomaterials used in wound dressings, including nanofibers, nanocomposites, silver-based nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles. Several recent studies have shown the potential benefits of using nanomaterials in wound care, including the use of hydrogel/nano silver-based dressings in treating diabetic foot wounds, the use of copper oxide-infused dressings in difficult-to-treat wounds, and the use of chitosan nanofiber mats in burn dressings. Overall, developing nanomaterials in wound care has complemented nanotechnology in drug delivery systems, providing biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials that enhance wound healing and provide sustained drug release. Wound dressings are an effective and convenient method of wound care that can prevent wound contamination, support the injured area, control hemorrhaging, and reduce pain and inflammation. This review article provides valuable insights into the potential role of individual nanoformulations used in wound dressings in promoting wound healing and preventing infections, and serves as an excellent resource for clinicians, researchers, and patients seeking improved healing outcomes.

Measuring Physical Properties of Electrospun Nanofiber Mats for Different Biomedical Applications

Electrospun nanofiber mats are nowadays often used for biotechnological and biomedical applications, such as wound healing or tissue engineering. While most studies concentrate on their chemical and biochemical properties, the physical properties are often measured without long explanations regarding the chosen methods. Here, we give an overview of typical measurements of topological features such as porosity, pore size, fiber diameter and orientation, hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties and water uptake, mechanical and electrical properties as well as water vapor and air permeability. Besides describing typically used methods with potential modifications, we suggest some low-cost methods as alternatives in cases where special equipment is not available.

Fabrication and characterization of PVA@PLA electrospinning nanofibers embedded with Bletilla striata polysaccharide and Rosmarinic acid to promote wound healing

In this study, a novel nanofiber material with Polylactic acid (PLA), natural plant polysaccharides-Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) and Rosmarinic acid (RA) as the raw materials to facilitate wound healing was well prepared through coaxial electrospinning. The morphology of RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofibers was characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the successful formation of core-shell structure was verified under confocal laser microscopy (CLSM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). RA-BSP-PVA@PLA exhibited suitable air permeability for wound healing, as indicated by the result of the water vapor permeability (WVTR) study. The results of tension test results indicated the RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofiber exhibited excellent flexibility and better accommodates wounds. Moreover, the biocompatibility of RA-BSP-PVA@PLA was examined through MTT assay. Lastly, RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofibers can induce wound tissue growth, as verified by the rat dorsal skin wound models and tissue sections. Furthermore, RA-BSP-PVA@PLA can facilitate the proliferation and transformation of early wound macrophages, and down-regulate MPO⁺ expression of on the wound, thus facilitating wound healing, as confirmed by the result of immunohistochemical. Thus, RA-BSP-PVA@PLA nanofibers show great potential as wound dressings in wound healing.

Polymer-Based Nanostructures for Pancreatic Beta-Cell Imaging and Non-Invasive Treatment of Diabetes

Diabetes poses major economic, social, and public health challenges in all countries worldwide. Besides cardiovascular disease and microangiopathy, diabetes is a leading cause of foot ulcers and lower limb amputations. With the continued rise of diabetes prevalence, it is expected that the future burden of diabetes complications, early mortality, and disabilities will increase. The diabetes epidemic is partly caused by the current lack of clinical imaging diagnostic tools, the timely monitoring of insulin secretion and insulin-expressing cell mass (beta (β)-cells), and the lack of patients' adherence to treatment, because some drugs are not tolerated or invasively administrated. In addition to this, there is a lack of efficient topical treatment capable of stopping the progression of disabilities, in particular for treating foot ulcers. In this context, polymer-based nanostructures garnered significant interest due to their tunable physicochemical characteristics, rich diversity, and biocompatibility. This review article emphasizes the last advances and discusses the prospects in the use of polymeric materials as nanocarriers for β-cell imaging and non-invasive drug delivery of insulin and antidiabetic drugs in the management of blood glucose and foot ulcers.

Nanotherapeutic potential of antibacterial folic acid-functionalized nanoceria for wound-healing applications

Aim: The functionalization and characterization of antibacterial nanoceria with folic acid (FA) and elucidation of their in vivo wound healing application. Materials & methods: Functionalization of nanoceria were done with FA using a chemical method and their antibacterial activity, cellular biocompatibility and in vivo wound healing application were evaluated. Results: The functionalization of nanoceria with FA was done with 10 to 20 nm size and -20.1 mV zeta potential. The nanoformulation showed a bacteriostatic effect along with biocompatibility to different cell lines; 0.1% w/v spray of FA-nanoceria demonstrated excellent wound healing capacity within 14 days in a Wister rat model. Conclusion: The antioxidant and reactive oxygen species scavenging activity of the FA-nanoceria make it a promising therapeutic agent as a unique spray formulation in wound healing applications.

Biocomposite films based on chitosan and cerium oxide nanoparticles with promising regenerative potential

Polymeric nanocomposite materials have great potential in the development of tissue-engineered scaffolds because they affect the structure and properties of polymeric materials and regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. In this work, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) were incorporated into a chitosan (CS) film to improve the proliferation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The citrate-stabilized CeONPs with a negative ζ-potential (-25.0 mV) were precoated with CS to obtain positively charged particles (+20.3 mV) and to prevent their aggregation in the composite solution. The composite CS-CeONP films were prepared in the salt and basic forms using a dry-cast process. The films obtained in both forms were characterized by a uniform distribution of CeONPs. The incorporation of CeONPs into the salt form of CS increased the stiffness of the CS-CeONP film, while the subsequent conversion of the film to the basic form resulted in a decrease in both the Young's modulus and the yield stress. The redox activity (Ce⁴⁺ ⇌ Ce³⁺) of cerium oxide in the CS-CeONP film was confirmed by thermal oxidative degradation. In vitro culture of MSCs showed that the CS-CeONP film has good biocompatibility, and in vivo experiments demonstrated its substantial regenerative potential.

Recent advances of antibacterial starch-based materials

Starch has attracted a lot of attention because it is biodegradable, renewable, nontoxic and low cost. By adding antibacterial substances to starch, starch-based materials have antibacterial properties. The composite with other materials can improve the comprehensive performance of starch-based materials, thus broadening the application field of the material. In this paper, we focus on antibacterial starch-based materials and review their preparation and applications. It was found that antibacterial starch-based materials were most widely used in packaging, followed by medicine, and the research on smart starch-based materials was relatively less. This review may provide some reference value for subsequent studies of starch-based materials.

Polycaprolactone (PCL)-Polylactic Acid (PLA)-Glycerol (Gly) Composites Incorporated with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and Tea Tree Essential Oil (TTEO) for Tissue Engineering Applications

The search for new biocompatible materials that can replace invasive materials in biomedical applications has increased due to the great demand derived from accidents and diseases such as cancer in various tissues. In this sense, four formulations based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and tea tree essential oil (TTEO) were prepared. The sol-gel method was used for zinc oxide nanoparticle synthesis with an average size of 11 ± 2 nm and spherical morphology. On the other hand, Fourier Transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed characteristic functional groups for each composite component. The TTEO incorporation in the formulations was related to the increased intensity of the C-O-C band. The thermal properties of the materials show that the degradative properties of the ZnO-NPs decrease the thermal stability. The morphological study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the presence of TTEO and ZnO-NPs act synergistically, obtaining smooth surfaces, whereas membranes with the presence of ZnO-NPs or TTEO only show porous morphologies. Histological implantation of the membranes showed biocompatibility and biodegradability after 60 days of implantation. This degradation occurs through the fragmentation of the larger particles with the presence of connective tissue constituted by type III collagen fibers, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells, where the process of resorption of the implanted material continues.

Idebenone-loaded wound dressings promote diabetic wound healing through downregulation of Il1b, Nfkb genes and upregulation of Fgf2 gene

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are overproduced in diabetic wounds and retard the healing response. Considering the antioxidative function of idebenone, its exogenous administration may quench excessive ROS and promote diabetic wound healing. In the current study, idebenone was loaded into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) /calcium alginate scaffolds at three different concentrations of 1 w/w%, 2 w/w%, and 3 w/w%. Various in vitro experiments were performed to characterize the developed wound dressings. Cell viability assay showed that scaffolds loaded with 1 w/w% idebenone had significantly better protection under oxidative stress and exhibited higher cell viability. Therefore, the dressings containing 1% drug was chosen to treat diabetic wounds in rat model. Wound healing assay showed that the dressings loaded with 1% drug had significantly higher rate of wound size reduction, collagen deposition, and epithelial thickness. Gene expression study showed that wound healing was accompanied by modulation of inflammatory response, protection against oxidative stress, and increasing angiogenesis-related genes. This preliminary research suggests that PVA/calcium alginate/1% idebenone scaffolds can be considered as a potential treatment modality to treat diabetic wounds in the clinic. However, more extensive studies at gene and protein expression levels are required to understand its exact mechanism of healing effects.

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: Review of Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Effects

In the last few years, the progress made in the field of nanotechnology has allowed researchers to develop and synthesize nanosized materials with unique physicochemical characteristics, suitable for various biomedical applications. Amongst these nanomaterials, metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have gained increasing interest due to their excellent properties, which to a great extent differ from their bulk counterpart. However, despite such positive advantages, a substantial body of literature reports on their cytotoxic effects, which are directly correlated to the nanoparticles' physicochemical properties, therefore, better control over the synthetic parameters will not only lead to favorable surface characteristics but may also increase biocompatibility and consequently lower cytotoxicity. Taking into consideration the enormous biomedical potential of MONPs, the present review will discuss the most recent developments in this field referring mainly to synthesis methods, physical and chemical characterization and biological effects, including the pro-regenerative and antitumor potentials as well as antibacterial activity. Moreover, the last section of the review will tackle the pressing issue of the toxic effects of MONPs on various tissues/organs and cell lines.

Bacterial Cellulose Composites with Polysaccharides Filled with Nanosized Cerium Oxide: Characterization and Cytocompatibility Assessment

A new biocompatible nanocomposite film material for cell engineering and other biomedical applications has been prepared. It is based on the composition of natural polysaccharides filled with cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs). The preparative procedure consists of successive impregnations of pressed bacterial cellulose (BC) with a sodium alginate (ALG) solution containing nanoparticles of citrate-stabilized cerium oxide and a chitosan (CS) solution. The presence of CeONPs in the polysaccharide composite matrix and the interaction of the nanoparticles with the polymer, confirmed by IR spectroscopy, change the network architecture of the composite. This leads to noticeable changes in a number of properties of the material in comparison with those of the matrix's polysaccharide composition, viz., an increase in mechanical stiffness, a decrease in the degree of planar orientation of BC macrochains, an increase in hydrophilicity, and the shift of the processes of thermo-oxidative destruction of the material to a low-temperature region. The latter effect is considered to be caused by the redox activity of cerium oxide (reversible transitions between the states Ce⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺) in thermally stimulated processes in the nanocomposite films. In the equilibrium swollen state, the material retains a mechanical strength at the level of ~2 MPa. The results of in vitro tests (cultivation of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells) have demonstrated the good biocompatibility of the BC-ALG(CeONP)-CS film as cell proliferation scaffolds.

Advanced bioengineering of female germ cells to preserve fertility

Oogenesis and folliculogenesis are considered as complex and species-specific cellular differentiation processes, which depend on the in vivo ovarian follicular environment and endocrine cues. Considerable efforts have been devoted to driving the differentiation of female primordial germ cells toward mature oocytes outside of the body. The recent experimental attempts have laid stress on offering a suitable microenvironment to assist the in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis. Despite developing a variety of bioengineering techniques and generating functional mature gametes through in vitro oogenesis in earlier studies, we still lack knowledge of appropriate microenvironment conditions for building biomimetic culture systems for female fertility preservation. Therefore, this review paper can provide a source for a large body of scientists developing cutting-edge in vitro culture systems for female germ cells or setting up the next generation of reproductive medicine as feasible options for female infertility treatment. The focal point of this review outlines advanced bioengineering technologies such as 3D biofabricated hydrogels/scaffolds and microfluidic systems utilized with female germlines for fertility preservation through in vitro folliculogenesis and oogenesis.

Prospects and Challenges of Electrospun Cell and Drug Delivery Vehicles to Correct Urethral Stricture

Current therapeutic modalities to treat urethral strictures are associated with several challenges and shortcomings. Therefore, significant strides have been made to develop strategies with minimal side effects and the highest therapeutic potential. In this framework, electrospun scaffolds incorporated with various cells or bioactive agents have provided promising vistas to repair urethral defects. Due to the biomimetic nature of these constructs, they can efficiently mimic the native cells’ niches and provide essential microenvironmental cues for the safe transplantation of multiple cell types. Furthermore, these scaffolds are versatile platforms for delivering various drug molecules, growth factors, and nucleic acids. This review discusses the recent progress, applications, and challenges of electrospun scaffolds to deliver cells or bioactive agents during the urethral defect repair process. First, the current status of electrospinning in urethral tissue engineering is presented. Then, the principles of electrospinning in drug and cell delivery applications are reviewed. Finally, the recent preclinical studies are summarized and the current challenges are discussed.

An asymmetric wettable PCL/chitosan composite scaffold loaded with IGF-2 for wound dressing

An effective dressing is essential for wound healing. In fact, the wettability performance is one of the most important factors of a wound dressing. The fundamental functions of a wound dressing involve the absorption of excess exudates and maintenance of optimal moisture at the wound by controlling water evaporation. Here, we designed a type of chitosan (CS) sponge and PCL nanofibrous membrane composite dressing with asymmetric wettability surfaces as wound healing materials for biomedical applications. The hydrophobic surfaces of the composite dressing were waterproof and could efficiently control the water vapor transmission rate, whereas the hydrophilic surface of the CS sponge had good cytocompatibility and water-absorbing capability. Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) was added to the CS sponge, and exhibited a stimulatory effect on fibroblasts migration and proliferation. Therefore, the fabricated CS sponge and PCL membrane composite dressing had excellent cytocompatibility, vapor transmission rate, and liquid absorption and asymmetric wettability, suggesting its potential as a promising alternative to traditional wound dressing.

Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of Anethum graveolens extract loaded in PVA fibers: An in vitro and in vivo study

Anethum graveolens extract (AGE) is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antibacterial activities. As wound infection, hyperactivity of inflammatory responses, and high oxidative stress are the leading causes of delayed wound healing, we were encouraged to design a delivery vehicle for AGE to develop a potential wound dressing material. In the current study, AGE was incorporated into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) scaffolds matrix via the electrospinning method. Various characterization methods were applied to assess the physicochemical and biological properties of the dressings. Cell culture studies with fibroblast cell line showed that AGE-loaded dressings could significantly promote cell viability under normal and oxidative stress conditions. The prepared wound dressings’ wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties were investigated on an excisional injury rat model. Wound healing assay showed that AGE-delivering wound dressings could significantly improve the wound healing response, as evidenced by a significantly higher rate of wound closure, epithelial thickness, and collagen deposition. Gene expression analysis revealed that the produced dressings downregulated inflammation-associated genes such as IL-1β and NFK-β. This preliminary research suggests the potential applicability of AGE-loaded PVA dressings in the clinic.

Inorganic Nanomaterials in Tissue Engineering

In recent decades, the demand for replacement of damaged or broken tissues has increased; this poses the attention on problems related to low donor availability. For this reason, researchers focused their attention on the field of tissue engineering, which allows the development of scaffolds able to mimic the tissues' extracellular matrix. However, tissue replacement and regeneration are complex since scaffolds need to guarantee an adequate hierarchical structured morphology as well as adequate mechanical, chemical, and physical properties to stand the stresses and enhance the new tissue formation. For this purpose, the use of inorganic materials as fillers for the scaffolds has gained great interest in tissue engineering applications, due to their wide range of physicochemical properties as well as their capability to induce biological responses. However, some issues still need to be faced to improve their efficacy. This review focuses on the description of the most effective inorganic nanomaterials (clays, nano-based nanomaterials, metal oxides, metallic nanoparticles) used in tissue engineering and their properties. Particular attention has been devoted to their combination with scaffolds in a wide range of applications. In particular, skin, orthopaedic, and neural tissue engineering have been considered.

Transdermal permeation of inorganic cerium salts in intact human skin

The stratum corneum protects the body against external agents, such as metals, chemicals, and toxics. Although it is considered poorly permeable to them, comprising the major barrier to the permeation of such substances, it may become a relevant gate of entry for such molecules. Cerium (Ce) is a lanthanide that is widely used in catalytic, energy, biological and medicinal applications, owing to its intrinsic structural and unique redox properties. Cerium salts used to produce cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanostructures can potentially come into contact with the skin and be absorbed following dermal exposure. The objective of this study was to investigate the percutaneous absorption of three inorganic Ce salts: cerium (III) chloride (CeCl₃); cerium (III) nitrate (Ce(NO₃)₃) and ammonium cerium (IV) nitrate (Ce(NH₄)₂(NO₃)₆), which are commonly adopted for the synthesis of CeO₂ using in vitro - ex vivo technique in Franz diffusion cells. The present work shows that Ce salts cannot permeate intact human skin, but they can penetrate significantly in the epidermis (up to 0.29 μg/cm²) and, to a lesser extent in dermis (up to 0.11 μg/cm²). Further studies are required to evaluate the potential effects of long-term exposure to Ce.

Design and Development of Naringin Loaded Proposomal Gel for Wound Healing

BACKGROUND

The injuries or wounds caused by various means will impact human lives severely. An increase in the demand for wounds or burns was observed. For better wound healing and to combat the free radical effect on the healing process, wounds must be treated with multifunctional or multipurpose dressing or gel or any other type of biomaterial.

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to develop, optimize, and evaluate the naringin-loaded proposomal gel (PPG) for quick wound healing.

METHODS

The central composite design was employed for the optimization of proposomes. Naringin-loaded proposomes were evaluated for percentage entrapment efficiency (EE), the particle size of proposomes (PsP), and the zeta potential of proposomes (ZpP). The change in drug release profile was studied by dissolution. Furthermore, naringin and naringin-loaded proposomes, antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) reagent and ascorbic acid as a reference standard. Different gel bases were prepared, and based on various parameters, the G2 (0.6 % Carbopol 974) gel base was selected for naringin proposomes loading. The naringin-loaded PPG was evaluated for various in vitro and in vivo wound healing properties.

RESULTS

The optimized naringin-loaded proposomes showed extended drug release (90.78 ± 2.19%) for 72 h. The naringin-loaded PPG improved the permeability of naringin, which showed 28.91 ± 2.81% of drug release after 96 h, and the drug solution showed 9.05 ± 0.92%. IC50 values of antioxidant activity of naringin and naringin proposomes were found to be 337.31 μg/ mL and 201.86 μg/ mL, respectively. The naringin-loaded PPG showed better-wound closure on the 15^th day (3.32%) compared to proposomal solution (4.75%) or naringin topical gel (4.2%).

CONCLUSION

Based on the obtained results, we conclude naringin-loaded PPG can be an alternative strategic approach to deliver the naringin for quick wound healing.

The Use of Cerium Compounds as Antimicrobials for Biomedical Applications

Cerium and its derivatives have been used as remedies for wounds since the early 20th century. Cerium nitrate has attracted most attention in the treatment of deep burns, followed later by reports of its antimicrobial properties. Its ability to mimic and replace calcium is presumed to be a major mechanism of its beneficial action. However, despite some encouraging results, the overall data are somewhat confusing with seemingly the same compounds yielding opposing results. Despite this, cerium nitrate is currently used in wound treatment in combination with silver sulfadiazine as Flammacérium. Cerium oxide, especially in nanoparticle form (Nanoceria), has lately captured much interest due to its antibacterial properties mediated via oxidative stress, leading to an increase of published reports. The properties of Nanoceria depend on the synthesis method, their shape and size. Recently, the green synthesis route has gained a lot of interest as an alternative environmentally friendly method, resulting in production of effective antimicrobial and antifungal nanoparticles. Unfortunately, as is the case with antibiotics, emerging bacterial resistance against cerium-derived nanoparticles is a growing concern, especially in the case of bacterial biofilm. However, diverse strategies resulting from better understanding of the biology of cerium are promising. The aim of this paper is to present the progress to date in the use of cerium compounds as antimicrobials in clinical applications (in particular wound healing) and to provide an overview of the mechanisms of action of cerium at both the cellular and molecular level.

Dextran, as a biological macromolecule for the development of bioactive wound dressing materials: A review of recent progress and future perspectives

Skin is the largest organ in the body which plays different roles in maintaining hemostasis. Although this tissue has a high healing potential, severe skin wounds cannot heal without external interventions. Among various treatment strategies, tissue-engineered wound dressings have gained significant attention. In this regard, tremendous progress has been made in the field of tissue engineering to develop constructs with higher healing activities. Material selection and optimization are key factors in development of such dressings. Among different candidates, dextran-based wound dressings have been extensively studied. Dextran is a branched biological macromolecule which is composed of anhydroglucose monomers. Due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, modifiable functional groups, and proven clinical safety, dextran has found application in wound healing research. In the current review, applications, challenges, and future perspectives of dextran-based wound dressings will be discussed.

Nanoceria, the versatile nanoparticles: Promising biomedical applications

Nanotechnology has been a boon for the biomedical field due to the freedom it provides for tailoring of pharmacokinetic properties of different drug molecules. Nanomedicine is the medical application of nanotechnology for the diagnosis, treatment and/or management of the diseases. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) are metal oxide-based nanoparticles (NPs) which possess outstanding reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities primarily due to the availability of "oxidation switch" on their surface. These NP have been found to protect from a number of disorders with a background of oxidative stress such as cancer, diabetes etc. In fact, the CNPs have been found to possess the environment-dependent ROS modulating properties. In addition, the inherent catalase, SOD, oxidase, peroxidase and phosphatase mimetic properties of CNPs provide them superiority over a number of NPs. Further, chemical reactivity of CNPs seems to be a function of their surface chemistry which can be precisely tuned by defect engineering. However, the contradictory reports make it necessary to critically evaluate the potential of CNPs, in the light of available literature. The review is aimed at probing the feasibility of CNPs to push towards the clinical studies. Further, we have also covered and censoriously discussed the suspected negative impacts of CNPs before making our way to a consensus. This review aims to be a comprehensive, authoritative, critical, and accessible review of general interest to the scientific community.

A Critical Review on Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Natural and synthetic polymers have been explored for many years in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration. Researchers have developed many new strategies to design successful advanced polymeric biomaterials. In this review, we summarized the recent notable advancements in the preparation of smart polymeric biomaterials with self-healing and shape memory properties. We also discussed novel approaches used to develop different forms of polymeric biomaterials such as films, hydrogels and 3D printable biomaterials. In each part, the applications of the biomaterials in soft and hard tissue engineering with their in vitro and in vivo effects are underlined. The future direction of the polymeric biomaterials that could pave a path towards successful clinical implications is also underlined in this review.

Gelatin-Based Hybrid Scaffolds: Promising Wound Dressings

Wound care is a major biomedical field that is challenging due to the delayed wound healing process. Some factors are responsible for delayed wound healing such as malnutrition, poor oxygen flow, smoking, diseases (such as diabetes and cancer), microbial infections, etc. The currently used wound dressings suffer from various limitations, including poor antimicrobial activity, etc. Wound dressings that are formulated from biopolymers (e.g., cellulose, chitin, gelatin, chitosan, etc.) demonstrate interesting properties, such as good biocompatibility, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and attractive antimicrobial activity. Although biopolymer-based wound dressings display the aforementioned excellent features, they possess poor mechanical properties. Gelatin, a biopolymer has excellent biocompatibility, hemostatic property, reduced cytotoxicity, low antigenicity, and promotes cellular attachment and growth. However, it suffers from poor mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity. It is crosslinked with other polymers to enhance its mechanical properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of antimicrobial agents into gelatin-based wound dressings enhance their antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo. This review is focused on the development of hybrid wound dressings from a combination of gelatin and other polymers with good biological, mechanical, and physicochemical features which are appropriate for ideal wound dressings. Gelatin-based wound dressings are promising scaffolds for the treatment of infected, exuding, and bleeding wounds. This review article reports gelatin-based wound dressings which were developed between 2016 and 2021.

Recent advances in PVA-polysaccharide based hydrogels and electrospun nanofibers in biomedical applications: A review

Among several types of carbohydrate polymers blend PVA hydrogel membranes used for biomedical applications in particular wound dressings; electrospun nanofibrous membranes have gained increased interest because of their extraordinary features e.g. huge surface area to volume ratio, high porosity, adequate permeability, excellent wound-exudates absorption capacity, architecture similarity with skin ECM and sustained release-profile over long time. In this study, modern perspectives of synthesized/developed electrospun nanofibrous hydrogel membranes based popular carbohydrate polymers blend PVA which recently have been employed for versatile biomedical applications particularly wound dressings, were discussed intensively and compared in detail with traditional fabricated membranes based films, as well. Clinically relevant and advantages of electrospun nanofibrous membranes were discussed in terms of their biocompatibility and easily fabrication and functionalization in different biomedical applications.