Search Results (2,140)

Whilst early debridement and autologous skin grafting remain the cornerstones of treatment for deep burns, there has been a shift towards a more selective and regenerative medicine-oriented approach in the topical management of burn wounds. The most critical issue is whether the wound can achieve epithelialization within approximately 2 to 3 weeks. This timeframe is of clinical significance due to the strong association between delayed epithelialization and hypertrophic scarring, which can result in contractures and functional impairment. However, given that the likelihood of epithelialization is influenced by factors such as the mechanism of injury, anatomical location and skin thickness at that site, age, and blood flow, its prediction remains incomplete and relies heavily on experience. The second challenge is to remove necrotic tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, thereby creating a wound bed with an adequately controlled microbial burden. Excessive excision should be avoided. The cytotoxic effects of several topical antimicrobial agents can inhibit the migration of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other cells, as well as damaging the extracellular matrix. In order to address these issues, a range of methods are employed, including enzymatic debridement. The third challenge pertains to the reconstruction of the dermis in full-thickness burns, and the role of dermal and matrix-based materials is expanding. In addition to conventional artificial dermis, acellular fish skin matrices, synthetic biodegradable temporary matrices, and recombinant biomaterials are now being used. These materials can be regarded not solely as wound dressings, but also as instruments for preserving or re-establishing a biologically functional dermal matrix prior to epithelialization. Once these conditions are achieved, autologous skin cell suspension or cultured epidermal autografting may become appropriate options in selected wounds. This Perspective proposes a framework for precision-oriented local burn wound care structured around four sequential but iterative objectives. Full article

Zeolites are crystalline microporous aluminosilicates whose tunable porosity, ion-exchange capacity, surface charge, and chemical robustness make them versatile materials at the biointerface. This review surveys three converging domains of zeolite biomedicine. First, haemostasis and wound healing, where water adsorption and Ca²⁺ release drive procoagulant activity, from the QuikClot generation to strategies that mitigate the exothermic response and to flexible zeolite–textile dressings. Second, the separation, immobilization, and sensing of biomolecules, where external surface area, hierarchical porosity, and surface chemistry—rather than intracrystalline sieving alone—govern the interaction with proteins and nucleic acids in complex matrices. Third, the emerging design of zeolite-based theranostic platforms integrating drug delivery, imaging, and stimuli-responsive therapy, enabled by the transition from bulk crystals to surface-engineered nanozeolites. Across all three domains, a single lesson recurs: the biological behaviour of zeolites is governed by the external surface rather than by molecular sieving, and the chemical integrity of the framework under working conditions is a design parameter that is reported only sporadically. We further show that the theranostic literature reaching in vivo validation is dominated by zeolite-like imidazolate frameworks, whereas the evidence for aluminosilicate zeolites remains largely in vitro—the gap that most urgently needs closing. The successes of ZIFs should therefore be read as structural inspiration for zeolite design rather than as direct evidence for aluminosilicate clinical translation. Full article

Background: Chronic ulcers are a major healthcare challenge due to their prolonged course, recurrence, persistent microbial colonization, and impaired tissue repair. This study developed sodium alginate–collagen hydrogel dressings reinforced with cotton fabric and functionalized with green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) to combine exudate absorption with localized antibacterial activity. Methods: CuO NPs were synthesized using gallic acid and orange peel extract and evaluated for cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Sodium alginate–collagen dressings containing different glycerin concentrations were assessed for swelling capacity, morphology, structural stability, and tensile performance. The formulation showing the best overall physicochemical and mechanical performance was selected for CuO NP functionalization and antibacterial evaluation by agar diffusion. Results: The selected 50GS-NPs-CuO formulation showed an IC50 of 79.9 µg/mL. At 70 µg/mL, CuO NPs produced significant time-dependent reductions in bacterial viability, reaching 96.6% for S. aureus and 91.44% for E. coli after 72 h. The dressing containing 2% sodium alginate, 0.5% collagen, and 2.5% glycerin exhibited the highest swelling capacity (476.82 ± 3.80%) and tensile strength (148.7 ± 5.5 N). CuO-functionalized dressings showed concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with consistently greater inhibition against S. aureus than E. coli. Conclusions: The developed dressing integrates high fluid absorption, mechanical stability, and localized antibacterial activity, providing a promising platform for advanced chronic-wound management. Full article

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are among the most severe complications of diabetes, resulting from a combination of metabolic dysregulation, vascular insufficiency, neuropathy, chronic inflammation, and impaired tissue repair, whereas diabetic foot infection (DFI) may develop within this compromised wound environment and frequently involves polymicrobial communities and biofilms. This review evaluates the mechanistic and translational basis for the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in DFU and DFI, with emphasis on the diabetic wound microenvironment, polymicrobial ecology, endogenous AMP dysregulation, mechanisms of action, therapeutic development, and barriers to clinical translation. Hyperglycemia, ischemia, oxidative and proteolytic stress, and impaired innate immunity sustain inflammation, delay tissue repair, and promote microbial persistence. These conditions may also complicate antibiotic treatment through impaired tissue exposure and biofilm-associated tolerance. Depending on the peptide and experimental context, AMP may provide direct antimicrobial or antibiofilm activity and may also exert immunomodulatory or pro-reparative effects involving inflammatory signaling, angiogenesis, keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, and re-epithelialization. Approaches under investigation include engineered peptides, combination regimens, and local biomaterial-based platforms, including hydrogels, dressings, scaffolds, and nanoparticle-conjugated systems. Clinical translation remains constrained by proteolytic instability, potential host-tissue toxicity, limited selectivity, limited predictive value of preclinical models, heterogeneous clinical populations, nonstandardized endpoints, and manufacturing and regulatory requirements. Preclinical evidence supports further evaluation of approaches for local delivery of AMP, whereas clinical evidence in DFU and DFI remains limited and heterogeneous, with no AMP-based intervention yet demonstrating sufficiently consistent clinical benefit to support routine use. Full article

The escalating production of fetal bovine serum generates substantial quantities of fetal bovine hide as an underutilized byproduct. In this study, we extracted collagen from this source, characterized it as predominantly type I collagen with intact triple-helical features, and fabricated a series of composite sponge dressings by blending it with chitosan. The best-balanced formulation (COL₁/CS₁, 1:1 ratio) exhibited markedly superior physicochemical properties relative to pure collagen sponges, as evidenced by higher porosity (91.3%), water uptake (2010%), moisture retention (23.7%), and water vapor transmission rate (4169.02 ± 86.45 g/m²/day). We hypothesize that the intrinsically lower cross-linking density of fetal collagen may expose a greater abundance of carboxyl and hydroxyl moieties, thereby fostering electrostatic complexation and hydrogen bonding with chitosan’s amino groups. This molecular interplay appears to promote the genesis of a highly uniform, interconnective porous network. In vitro, the COL₁/CS₁ sponge elicited a hemolysis rate below 5%, a blood coagulation index as low as 7.02%, no cytotoxicity toward L929 and MRC-5 cells, and a pronounced capacity to stimulate cell proliferation and wound repopulation. In a murine full-thickness excisional wound model, the COL₁/CS₁ group achieved a 98.1% closure rate by day 14, significantly outpacing both the pure collagen and untreated controls. Histological examinations corroborated these findings, revealing accelerated granulation tissue deposition, robust neovascularization, and orderly collagen remodeling, with no overt toxicity observed in vital organs under the tested conditions. This work presents a viable valorization pathway for an agricultural byproduct into high-value biomedical constructs and provides insights into how source-dependent collagen attributes may influence the functional performance of biomaterials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) remain a major clinical challenge due to the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated pathogens. Conventional antibiotics are often limited by reduced efficacy, recurrent infections, and disruption of the resident skin microbiota. Consequently, bacteriocins have emerged as promising alternative or adjunctive antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin and wound infections. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Experimental in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies investigating bacteriocins in skin and wound infection models were analyzed, with a focus on antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm efficacy, activity against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and formulation strategies designed to improve therapeutic performance. Results: Available evidence demonstrates that numerous bacteriocins exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant skin-associated pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Several bacteriocins also showed significant antibiofilm properties and synergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics, resulting in enhanced bacterial eradication and reduced risk of resistance development. Experimental infection models further support their therapeutic potential in wound-associated infections. Additionally, advanced delivery platforms, including hydrogels, wound dressings, nanofibers, and lipid-based nanoparticles, improved peptide stability, sustained release, and local antimicrobial efficacy. Conclusions: Bacteriocins are promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of skin and wound infections due to their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, low propensity for resistance development, and suitability for topical administration. However, further studies addressing formulation optimization, safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation are required before bacteriocin-based therapies can enter routine clinical practice. Full article

Diabetic refractory wounds are a prevalent and severe complication of diabetes, whose pathological progression is jointly mediated by multiple factors, including oxidative stress imbalance, chronic inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, bacterial infection, and biofilm formation. Current clinical hydrogel dressings generally suffer from drawbacks such as single-function performance, potential toxicity of nano-components, static networks incompatible with dynamic wound conditions, and the absence of bionic repair signals. Therefore, they cannot simultaneously satisfy the dual repair requirements of complex pathological microenvironments and dynamic mechanical properties for diabetic wounds. In this study, a multi-functional dynamically responsive composite hydrogel (MC group) with high-efficiency antioxidant, antibacterial, and pro-angiogenic capacities was fabricated. Using SDS-C₁₈ micelles as hydrophobic units, a rigid–flexible dual-network framework was constructed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA). Manganese dioxide nanozymes were introduced to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitigate oxidative stress. Calcium-ion-mediated dynamic micelle reconstruction was adopted to regulate the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance, while achieving antibacterial effects and facilitating tissue regeneration. In vitro experiments verified that the MC hydrogel possesses mechanical properties well-matched to human soft tissues (fracture stress: 25 kPa) and excellent biocompatibility (cell viability > 100%, hemolysis rate: only 0.13%). It also exhibits prominent antioxidant activity (DPPH radical-scavenging rate: 36.95%), antibacterial performance (>99.86% bactericidal rate against Staphylococcus aureus, survival rate of Escherichia coli reduced to 15.95%), and cell-migration-promoting activity (endothelial cell migration rate of 83.72% and mouse fibroblast migration rate of 90.88% within 24 h). In the full-thickness skin defect model of diabetic mice, the wound-healing rate reached 99% on day 16. Moreover, it promoted ordered collagen deposition, skin appendage regeneration, and functional microvascular reconstruction, thereby accomplishing high-quality tissue repair. This design synergistically intervenes in multiple pathological links of diabetic wounds, overcomes several key limitations of existing dressings, and provides an innovative strategy for developing smart dressings. Full article

Hydrogel-and-nanomaterial-integrated wearable biosensor networks are promising platforms for real-time biomedical monitoring because they combine soft biointerfaces, sensitive signal transduction, and wireless data connectivity. Hydrogels provide tissue-like softness, hydration, adhesion, permeability, and biocompatibility, whereas nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, MXenes, metallic nanoparticles, and conductive polymers enhance conductivity, electrochemical activity, optical responsiveness, mechanical durability, and signal amplification. This review summarizes recent advances in hydrogel-and-nanomaterial-integrated wearable biosensors, ranging from soft material interfaces and stand-alone sensing devices to wireless wearable nodes, IoT-connected platforms, and emerging closed-loop sensor–actuator systems. Because these platforms differ substantially in their level of integration and validation, this review distinguishes enabling material and device concepts from fully connected or closed-loop systems. The distinctive contribution of this review is a materials-to-systems, evidence-graded framework that links hydrogel and nanomaterial interface design with sensing mechanisms, wearable sensor-node integration, wireless and IoT connectivity, and closed-loop actuation while distinguishing device-level proof of concept from clinically validated performance. We discuss functional hydrogel design, nanomaterial-based conductive networks, hybrid hydrogel–nanomaterial structures, and key requirements for skin compatibility, adhesion, stretchability, and long-term stability. Major sensing mechanisms and biomedical targets are reviewed, including electrochemical and optical biosensing, mechanical and physiological signal sensing, and sweat biomarker monitoring. We further highlight system-level integration strategies involving wearable sensor nodes, wireless communication, smartphone and cloud connectivity, data processing, power management, security, and reliability. Representative biomedical applications are summarized, including sweat-based metabolic monitoring, smart wound monitoring, hydrogel-based wound dressings, cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring, and motion sensing. Finally, current technical and translational challenges are discussed with emphasis on the distinction between analytical sensing performance, physiological correlation, and clinical validation. Disease-management and closed-loop healthcare applications are discussed as emerging directions that require appropriate human studies, reference-method comparison, agreement analysis, long-term monitoring, and safety validation before clinical implementation. Full article

This study reports the development of an intelligent dual-layer wound dressing engineered to achieve active wound repair. The self-standing dressing integrates a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric electrospun membrane with a multifunctional hydrogel based on interfacial fusion. The PVDF layer converted mechanical energy derived from human body movement into electrical stimulation, which dramatically motivated the controlled release of diclofenac sodium (DFs) encapsulated in the hydrogel. The relatively small diameter fibers and network caused strong connection with the hydrogel and smooth transfer of electricity. When a positive potential of 1.5 V was applied, up to a 55 μg mL⁻¹ cumulative amount of DFs was released, about five times higher than that only based on drug diffusion. This enhanced release rate resulted from the cooperation of accelerated drug migration under electrically driven and dynamic changes of the gel’s microstructure, which was the result of reversible behavior of borate bonds within the hydrogel. Consequently, the hydrogel exhibited self-healing properties and a tensile strain of up to 600%, much higher than that of conventional hydrogels. Under mechanical motivation, the dressing exhibited enhanced DFs release ability, confirming the piezoelectric transition and controlled drug release abilities. Therefore, the present work offers an innovative solution for the intelligent management of chronic wounds. Full article

The management of chronic wounds represents one of the major challenges in regenerative medicine, as the healing process can be compromised by infections, oxidative stress, and persistent inflammation. In this context, wound pH serves as an important biomarker of tissue status, highlighting the need for smart dressings capable of promoting regeneration while simultaneously monitoring the wound microenvironment. In this study, biomimetic silk fibroin films functionalized with curcuminoids extracted from Curcuma longa were developed and characterized through spectroscopic, swelling/degradation, antioxidant, colorimetric, and biological assays, with the aim of obtaining a multifunctional dressing with regenerative properties and pH responsiveness. The results showed that curcuminoids were physically incorporated into the protein matrix without altering its chemical structure. The films exhibited a high absorption ability and antioxidant activity in the initial stages, and a clear and reversible color change in response to pH. Biological assays on 3T3 fibroblasts further confirmed the high cytocompatibility of the materials and their ability to support cell migration and wound closure in vitro. The developed films represent a promising biomimetic platform for advanced wound dressings, capable of combining support for tissue regeneration, antioxidant protection, and visual monitoring of wound status through the detection of pH changes. Full article

Introduction: Heavily exuding wounds can macerate perilesional skin and favour infection. Information on the properties and use time of dressings should be clear and available to healthcare providers. Methods: Our aim was to evaluate the updated series of the AQUACEL^® dressing family, because their evolution from a single layer of carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) to a multicomponent antiseptic or its combination with polyurethane covered with a silicon layer has developed the technology beyond simple exudate absorption. Using gravimetric analysis, we evaluated the porosity, water uptake, and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of AQUACEL^® Ag+Extra, AQUACEL^® Foam, and Foam Pro. By modifying the method of measuring WVTR, we assessed this outcome during the progressive saturation of the dressings. We also performed a disc diffusion assay on agar to determine the antimicrobial effects of the dressings. Results: Independently of porosity, a second layer of cellulose in AQUACEL^® Ag+Extra doubles water uptake and quadruples WVTR compared to foam forms. When the different dressings were evaluated for WVTR under progressive saturation, we did not observe any statistically significant changes, indicating that retained liquids do not alter dressing properties, which is a more biologically suitable approach. Despite the acidic character of the cellulose hydrofibre contained in the three dressings, the lack of any antiseptics in the foam forms makes them unsuitable for use in colonised or infected wounds, although they can act as a physical barrier for microorganisms and mechanical damage. The opposite results were observed for the AQUACEL^® Ag+Extra dressing, which contains silver, EDTA, and benzethonium chloride. Discussion: Data on the physicochemical composition of dressings can enable healthcare providers to choose the appropriate dressing series to use during wound bed preparation and beyond. Full article

A wound is defined as disruption or destruction of tissue integrity. In order to support healing in wound management, a good wound bed free of necrotic tissue and infection is desired, but intensive chemical antiseptics will cause cell destruction and delay healing. In order for wound healing to be rapid, the nature and contamination of the wound should be taken into consideration and appropriate methods should be utilized. Today, many types of algae are frequently preferred as an alternative to medicine and are the subject of research. Since the metabolites contained in algae display several notable biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, they are a good option in wound treatment. Algae contain pigments, peptides, fatty acids, and polysaccharides that are crucial for wound healing. These compounds play vital roles at all stages of the healing process by accelerating cell proliferation, promoting collagen deposition, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and regulating key inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, their unique physical and functional properties enable the development of novel bio-inspired wound dressings, hydrogels, and drug-delivery scaffolds. This review discusses the bioactive metabolites found in algae that are effective in wound healing. Full article

Diabetic chronic wounds face multiple intractable healing obstacles including sustained inflammation, severe infection, insufficient angiogenesis and defective collagen deposition. Current dressings fail to simultaneously relieve all these pathological defects. Herein, we constructed a carrier-free binary self-assembled Glycyrrhizic acid monoammonium salt–Berberine (GB) hydrogel composed of berberine and glycyrrhizic acid monoammonium salt, which forms interconnected nanofiber networks via one-pot thermally assisted small-molecule co-assembly without chemical crosslinking or exogenous polymer carriers. Relying on intermolecular non-covalent interactions, this single supramolecular material integrates anti-inflammatory, broad-spectrum antibacterial, pro-angiogenic, and collagen-regenerative multifunctions, which simultaneously ameliorates multiple core pathological obstacles of diabetic wounds within one formulation. We systematically characterized its physicochemical features, biocompatibility, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as in vivo wound repair performance. This hydrogel formed uniform nanofibrous architectures with favorable viscoelastic properties and pH-dependent sustained release. In vitro assays verified its outstanding biosafety, broad-spectrum bacteriostasis against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and potent inhibitory effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, with bacterial inhibition rates reaching ~88% against E. coli and ~70% against S. aureus. In diabetic mouse full-thickness infected wound models, the GB hydrogel simultaneously alleviated local inflammation, accelerated wound closure and facilitated ordered collagen deposition and mature microvessel formation, achieving a 73.10% wound closure rate at day 7 and 58.01% collagen deposition fraction at day 14, thus exhibiting equivalent or superior repair capacity compared with commercial hydrogel dressings. This carrier-free supramolecular system based on natural herbal small molecules provides a safe, convenient, and integrated therapeutic strategy for diabetic infected chronic wounds, with promising clinical translation potential. Full article

Efficient cutaneous wound healing relies on the phenotypic transition of macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory, pro-reparative M2-like state. Non-healing chronic wounds are pathologically characterized by the breakdown of this polarization balance. In this review, we synthesize recent research on biomaterials fabricated from naturally occurring polysaccharides with intrinsic immunomodulatory activity, mainly represented by hydrogels that modulate macrophage phenotypic transitions. We first dissect the immune microenvironment of wound healing and elaborate on the core regulatory networks governing M1/M2 polarization, with a particular focus on signaling pathways and metabolic reprogramming. On this basis, we classify pro-M2 natural polysaccharides into mannose-containing and mannose-free categories according to their core structural motifs that mediate immunomodulatory activity, and detail their molecular mechanisms, including pattern recognition receptor engagement (MR, Dectin-1, CD44, etc.) and downstream signaling cascades (STAT6, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, etc.). Representative polysaccharides such as konjac glucomannan (KGM), Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP), chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are discussed with a clarified structure–activity relationship (SAR). Finally, we highlight emerging design strategies for multi-functional immunomodulatory hydrogels, including mechano-biochemical coupling platforms and spatiotemporally controlled delivery systems, and analyze ongoing controversies and translational bottlenecks in this field. The relationship between material structure and function enables the rational design of purpose-built polysaccharide dressings that regulate immunity. This review highlights these materials as promising preclinical platforms for chronic wound management, although their clinical translation requires further validation. Full article

Burns injuries present critical health and care challenges and remain one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity globally. The pathophysiology of burns injuries combines barrier disruption, dysregulated inflammation and biofilm-driven polymicrobial infection. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) offer unique, multi-functional capabilities of broad-spectrum antimicrobial, pro-regenerative zinc (II) ion sources and an intrinsic transducer that is piezoelectric, photoresponsive and pH-responsive. This paper presents a comprehensive review of ZnO NP for the treatment of skin burns injuries with a focus on its multifunctional nanotherapeutic and sensor-integrated platforms. A structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and IEEE Xplore covering the period 2015 to 2025 was conducted to identify and consolidate relevant pre-clinical and clinical evidence on ZnO-based and sensor-integrated burn wound platforms. From the survey across hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, films, sprays, and three-dimensional bio-printed constructs, it is established that ZnO formulations achieve 60–95% wound closure by day 14 versus 30–55% for untreated controls, with 3–7 log10 colony-forming-unit reductions and minimum inhibitory concentrations of 8–256 micrograms per millilitre against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Wound healing is driven by sustained Zn²⁺ release, reactive-oxygen-species-mediated bactericidal action, matrix-metalloproteinase-9 modulation, vascular-endothelial-growth-factor and hypoxia-inducible-factor-1-alpha angiogenesis, and nuclear-factor-kappa-B suppressed inflammation. Emerging closed-loop sensor-integrated dressings deliver real-time wound pH, temperature, and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 readout coupled to near-field-communication actuated on-demand zinc release. Clinical translation is affected by several factors such as dose-dependent cytotoxicity associated with excessive ROS generation or dissolution, limited standardisation of green-synthesis methodologies, batch-to-batch variability in nanoparticle physicochemical properties and limited clinical trial data. ZnO-based theranostic platforms hold practical clinical translation potentials provided reproducible GMP-scale synthesis, long-term biocompatibility validation and comprehensive regulatory classification is systematically addressed. Full article