Innovations in Drug Delivery for Chronic Wound Healing

Abstract

: Wound healing is a varied and complex process designed to promptly restore standard skin structure, function, and appearance. To achieve this goal, different immune and biological systems participate in coordination through four separate steps, including homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and regeneration. Each step involves the function of other cells, cytokines, and growth factors. However, chronic ulcers, which are classified into three types of ulcers, namely vascular ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and pressure ulcers, cannot heal through the mentioned natural stages. It causes mental and physical problems for these people and, as a result, imposes high economic and social costs on society. In this regard, using a system that can accelerate the healing process of such chronic wounds, as an urgent need in the community, should be considered. Therefore, in this study, the innovations of drug delivery systems for the healing of chronic wounds using hydrogels, nanomaterial, and membranes are discussed and reviewed.

Biomedical applications of microfluidic devices: Achievements and challenges

“…Medical microfluidics devices offer a wide range of uses and may help improve the healthcare system. Microfluidics devices have medical and research applications such as cell culturing, scaffold fabrication, diagnostics, drug delivery, and preventative approach 80,81 …”

Drug-Loaded Carbon Nanotube Incorporated in Nanofibers: A Multifunctional Nanocomposite for Smart Chronic Wound Healing

“…Chronic wounds are challenging and hard to deal with due to many impediments that these wounds put in front of the healing cascade. 1 Just in the United States, 1.25 million individuals suffer from burns, and 6.5 million people have severe chronic ulcers, which are most often brought on by pressure, venous stasis, or diabetes mellitus. According to estimates provided by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in 2011, diabetes affects 25.8 million Americans, equivalent to 8.3% of the total population.…”

The evolution of wound dressings: From traditional to smart dressings

“…Wounds are categorized into chronic and acute based on the time they take to heal. 9 Acute wounds heal within a specific time without any complications, while chronic wounds usually take longer and pose difficulties in the healing process. 10 Wound dressing is any bandage in direct contact with the wound, protecting it from further complications and promoting healing.…”

“…Depending on the shape, depth, location, and extent of damage in the epidermis and dermis layer, a wound might need 8–12 weeks to recover completely. Wounds are categorized into chronic and acute based on the time they take to heal 9 . Acute wounds heal within a specific time without any complications, while chronic wounds usually take longer and pose difficulties in the healing process 10 .…”