Nanomaterials and nanomaterials-based drug delivery to promote cutaneous wound healing

Composite hydrogels with antioxidant and robust adhesive properties for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis

Radiotherapy is a pivotal means of cancer treatment, but it often leads to radiation dermatitis, a skin injury caused by radiation-induced excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Scavenging free radicals in the course of radiation therapy will be an effective means to prevent radiation dermatitis. This study demonstrates a novel double network hydrogel doped with MoS2 nanosheets for the prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis. The resultant SPM hydrogel constructed from polyacrylamide (PAM) and sodium alginate (SA) nanofiber presented favorable mechanical and adhesion properties. It could conform well to the human body's irregular contours without secondary dressing fixation, making it suitable for skin protection applications. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the antioxidant properties conferred by MoS2 nanosheets enable SPM to effectively mitigate excessive ROS and reduce oxidative stress, thereby preventing radiation dermatitis caused by oxidative damage. Biosafety assessments indicated good biocompatibility of the composite hydrogel, suggesting SPM's practicality and potential as an external dressing for skin radiation protection.

MXene-based composites in smart wound healing and dressings

MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials, exhibit considerable potential in wound healing and dressing applications due to their distinctive attributes, including biocompatibility, expansive specific surface area, hydrophilicity, excellent electrical conductivity, unique mechanical properties, facile surface functionalization, and tunable band gaps. These materials serve as a foundation for the development of advanced wound healing materials, offering multifunctional nanoplatforms with theranostic capabilities. Key advantages of MXene-based materials in wound healing and dressings encompass potent antibacterial properties, hemostatic potential, pro-proliferative attributes, photothermal effects, and facilitation of cell growth. So far, different types of MXene-based materials have been introduced with improved features for wound healing and dressing applications. This review covers the recent advancements in MXene-based wound healing and dressings, with a focus on their contributions to tissue regeneration, infection control, anti-inflammation, photothermal effects, and targeted therapeutic delivery. We also discussed the constraints and prospects for the future application of these nanocomposites in the context of wound healing/dressings.

Porous silicon-based sensing and delivery platforms for wound management applications

Wound management remains a great challenge for clinicians due to the complex physiological process of wound healing. Porous silicon (PSi) with controlled pore morphology, abundant surface chemistry, unique photonic properties, good biocompatibility, easy biodegradation and potential bioactivity represent an exciting class of materials for various biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on the recent progress of PSi in the design of advanced sensing and delivery systems for wound management applications. Firstly, we comprehensively introduce the common type, normal healing process, delaying factors and therapeutic drugs of wound healing. Subsequently, the typical fabrication, functionalization and key characteristics of PSi have been summarized because they provide the basis for further use as biosensing and delivery materials in wound management. Depending on these properties, the rise of PSi materials is evidenced by the examples in literature in recent years, which has emphasized the robust potential of PSi for wound monitoring, treatment and theranostics. Finally, challenges and opportunities for the future development of PSi-based sensors and delivery systems for wound management applications are proposed and summarized. We hope that this review will help readers to better understand current achievements and future prospects on PSi-based sensing and delivery systems for advanced wound management.

Modulating the immune system towards a functional chronic wound healing: A biomaterials and Nanomedicine perspective

Chronic non-healing wounds persist as a substantial burden for healthcare systems, influenced by factors such as aging, diabetes, and obesity. In contrast to the traditionally pro-regenerative emphasis of therapies, the recognition of the immune system integral role in wound healing has significantly grown, instigating an approach shift towards immunological processes. Thus, this review explores the wound healing process, highlighting the engagement of the immune system, and delving into the behaviors of innate and adaptive immune cells in chronic wound scenarios. Moreover, the article investigates biomaterial-based strategies for the modulation of the immune system, elucidating how the adjustment of their physicochemical properties or their synergistic combination with other agents such as drugs, proteins or mesenchymal stromal cells can effectively modulate the behaviors of different immune cells. Finally this review explores various strategies based on synthetic and biological nanostructures, including extracellular vesicles, to finely tune the immune system as natural immunomodulators or therapeutic nanocarriers with promising biophysical properties.

Prussian blue-decorated indocyanine green-loaded mesoporous silica nanohybrid for synergistic photothermal-photodynamic-chemodynamic therapy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Nanomaterial-based synergistic antibacterial agents are considered as promising tools to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Herein, multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based nanocomposites were fabricated for synergistic photothermal/photodynamic/chemodynamic therapy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MSN loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) as a core, while Prussian blue (PB) nanostructure was decorated on MSN surface via in situ growth method to form a core-shell nanohybrid (MSN-ICG@PB). Upon a near infrared (NIR) laser excitation, MSN-ICG@PB (200 μg mL-1) exhibited highly efficient singlet oxygen (1O2) generation and hyperthermia effect (48.7℃). In the presence of exogenous H2O2, PB with peroxidase-like activity promoted the generation of toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) to achieve chemodynamic therapy (CDT). PTT can greatly increase the permeability of bacterial lipid membrane, facilitating the generated 1O2 and •OH to kill bacteria more efficiently. Under NIR irradiation and exogenous H2O2, MSN-ICG@PB (200 μg mL-1) with good biocompatibility exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect against MRSA with high bacterial killing efficiency (>98 %). Moreover, due to the synergistic bactericidal mechanism, MSN-ICG@PB with satisfactory biosafety makes it a promising antimicrobial agent to fight against MRSA.

Green synthesis-inspired antibacterial, antioxidant and adhesive hydrogels with ultra-fast gelation and hemostasis for promoting infected skin wound healing

Bacterial infections are a serious threat to wound healing and skin regeneration. In recent years, photothermal therapy (PTT) has become one of the most promising tools in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, wound dressings with photo-responsive properties are currently still limited by the difficulties of biosafety and thermal stability brought by the introduction of photosensitizers or photothermal agents. Therefore, how to improve the therapeutic efficiency and biosafety from material design is still a major challenge at present. In this study, the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PA) hydrogels based on horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) enzymatic catalysis was developed. Therein, HRP and H2O2 catalyzed cross-linking while polymerizing PA, which not only endowed the hydrogels with photothermal responsiveness but also with good biosafety through this enzyme-catalyzed green approach. Meanwhile, the hydrogels possessed highly efficient bacteriostatic ability with the assistance of near infrared (NIR). Moreover, the ultra-rapid gelation, strong tissue adhesion, high swelling ability, good antioxidant property and hemostatic property of the CMCS-PA hydrogels based on HRP/H2O2 enzymatic catalysis were suitable for the treatment of skin wounds. Meanwhile, NIR-assistant CMCS-PA hydrogels based on HRP/H2O2 enzymatic catalysis reduced inflammation, decreased bacterial infection, and promoted collagen deposition and angiogenesis, which showed remarkable therapeutic effects in a skin wound infection model. All results indicate that this green approach to introduce photothermal property by HRP-catalyzed PA polymerization endows the hydrogels with efficient photothermal conversion efficiency, suggesting that they are promising to provide new options for replacing photothermal agents and photosensitizers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In recent years, wound dressings with photo-responsive properties are currently still limited by the difficulties of biosafety and thermal stability brought by the introduction of agent photosensitizers or photothermal agents. In this study, the carboxymethyl chitosan and protocatechuic aldehyde hydrogels based on horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide enzymatic catalysis was developed. The photothermal properties of hydrogels were transformed from absent to present just by horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed protocatechuic aldehyde polymerization in a green approach. Meanwhile, the hydrogels possessed highly efficient bacteriostatic ability with the assistance of near infrared. The green approach of introducing photothermal properties from material design solves the biosafety challenge. Therefore, this study is expected to provide new options for alternative photothermal agents and photosensitizers.

Novel Sprayable Antioxidative Dressing Based on Fullerene and Curdlan for Accelerating Chronic Wound Healing

The effective treatment of chronic wounds represents a critical global medical challenge demanding urgent attention. Persistent inflammation, driven by an excess of reactive oxygen radicals, sets in motion a detrimental cycle leading to chronic wounds and impeding the natural healing process. This study develops a sprayable wound dressing by covalently grafting amino fullerene to carboxymethylated curdlan (CMC-C). This novel dressing exhibits excellent biocompatibility, antioxidant, and reactive oxygen species scavenging properties. Furthermore, it demonstrates a targeted affinity for HEK-a cells, efficiently reducing the inflammatory response while promoting cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Moreover, the animal experiment investigations reveal that CMC-C significantly accelerates chronic wounds healing by regulating the inflammatory process, promoting collagen deposition, and improving vascularization. These results demonstrate the potential of the sprayable dressing (CMC-C) in curing the healing of chronic wounds through the modulation of the inflammatory microenvironment. Overall, the sprayable hydrogel dressing based on water-soluble derivative of fullerene and curdlan emerges as a potential approach for clinical applications in the treatment of chronic wounds.

Environmentally degradable carbon dots for inhibiting P. globosa growth and reducing hemolytic toxin

Red tides not only destroy marine ecosystems but also pose a great threat to human health. The traditional anti-red tide materials are difficult to degrade effectively in the natural environment and there may be risks of environmental leakage and secondary pollution. Furthermore, they cannot reduce the toxicity of toxins released by algae. It is very important to prepare degradable materials that can effectively control red tide and reduce their toxins in the future. Herein, degradable CDs (De-CDs) with biocompatibility and non-toxicity is successfully prepared using the one-step electrolytic method. De-CDs can effectively inhibit P. globosa (algae associated with red tide) growth. More importantly, the De-CDs not only can attenuate the toxicity of toxins released by P. globosa, but also can be degraded under visible-light irradiation in the seawater and avoids environmental leakage. The successful preparation of De-CDs provides a new idea for degradable materials with anti-red tide algae in the future.

Magneto-optical nanosystems for tumor multimodal imaging and therapy in-vivo

Multimodal imaging, which combines the strengths of two or more imaging modalities to provide complementary anatomical and molecular information, has emerged as a robust technology for enhancing diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, as well as improving treatment monitoring. Moreover, the application of multimodal imaging in guiding precision tumor treatment can prevent under- or over-treatment, thereby maximizing the benefits for tumor patients. In recent years, several intriguing magneto-optical nanosystems with both magnetic and optical properties have been developed, leading to significant breakthroughs in the field of multimodal imaging and image-guided tumor therapy. These advancements pave the way for precise tumor medicine. This review summarizes various types of magneto-optical nanosystems developed recently and describes their applications as probes for multimodal imaging and agents for image-guided therapeutic interventions. Finally, future research and development prospects of magneto-optical nanosystems are discussed along with an outlook on their further applications in the biomedical field.

Recent advances in reactive oxygen species scavenging nanomaterials for wound healing

Reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways during wound healing phases. Treatment strategies to balance the redox level in the deep wound tissue are emerging for wound management. In recent years, reactive oxygen species scavenging agents including natural antioxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging nanozymes, and antioxidant delivery systems have been widely employed to inhibit oxidative stress and promote skin regeneration. Here, the importance of reactive oxygen species in different wound healing phases is critically analyzed. Various cutting-edge bioactive ROS nanoscavengers and antioxidant delivery platforms are discussed. This review also highlights the future directions for wound therapies via reactive oxygen species scavenging. This comprehensive review offers a map of the research on ROS scavengers with redox balancing mechanisms of action in the wound healing process, which benefits development and clinical applications of next-generation ROS scavenging-based nanomaterials in skin regeneration.

Exosomes Derived from Mouse Breast Carcinoma Cells Facilitate Diabetic Wound Healing

BACKGROUND

Exosomes derived from breast cancer have been reported to play a role in promoting cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, which has the potential to accelerate the healing process of diabetic wounds. The aim of this investigation was to examine the function of exosomes originating from 4T1 mouse breast carcinoma cells (TEXs) in the process of diabetic wound healing.

METHODS

The assessment of primary mouse skin fibroblasts cell proliferation and migration was conducted through the utilization of CCK-8 and wound healing assays, while the tube formation of HUVECs was evaluated by tube formation assay. High-throughput sequencing, RT-qPCR and cell experiments were used to detect the roles of miR-126a-3p in HUVECs functions in vitro. The in vivo study employed a model of full-thickness excisional wounds in diabetic subjects to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of TEXs. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent techniques were utilized to evaluate histological changes in skin tissues.

RESULTS

The findings suggested that TEXs facilitate diabetic wound healing through the activation of cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. An upregulation of miR-126a-3p has been observed in TEXs, and it has demonstrated efficient transferability from 4T1 cells to HUVEC cells. The activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway has been attributed to miR-126a-3p derived from TEXs.

CONCLUSIONS

The promotion of chronic wound healing can be facilitated by TEXs through the activation of cellular migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. The activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by miR-126a-3p originating from TEXs has been discovered, indicating a potential avenue for enhancing the regenerative capabilities of wounds treated with TEXs.

Accelerating diabetic wound healing by ROS-scavenging lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulation

Current treatment options for diabetic wounds face challenges due to low efficacy, as well as potential side effects and the necessity for repetitive treatments. To address these issues, we report a formulation utilizing trisulfide-derived lipid nanoparticle (TS LNP)-mRNA therapy to accelerate diabetic wound healing by repairing and reprogramming the microenvironment of the wounds. A library of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive TS LNPs was designed and developed to encapsulate interleukin-4 (IL4) mRNA. TS2-IL4 LNP-mRNA effectively scavenges excess ROS at the wound site and induces the expression of IL4 in macrophages, promoting the polarization from the proinflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype at the wound site. In a diabetic wound model of db/db mice, treatment with this formulation significantly accelerates wound healing by enhancing the formation of an intact epidermis, angiogenesis, and myofibroblasts. Overall, this TS LNP-mRNA platform not only provides a safe, effective, and convenient therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing but also holds great potential for clinical translation in both acute and chronic wound care.

Research Progress on the Preparation Methods for and Flame Retardant Mechanism of Black Phosphorus and Black Phosphorus Nanosheets

Black phosphorus and black phosphorus nanosheets are widely used in the flame retardant field because of their excellent properties, but the immature preparation methods have resulted in extremely high preparation cost, which greatly limits their development and application. In this paper, various preparation methods of black phosphorus and black phosphorus nanosheets are described in detail, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are analyzed in depth, the flame-retardant mechanism and application of black phosphorus and black phosphorus nanosheets in flame retardants are discussed, and the subsequent development direction of black phosphorus and black phosphorus nanosheets is proposed.

Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Sustained Drug Release in Carrier-Free Silver-Coordinated Anthraquinone Natural Antibacterial Anti-Inflammatory Hydrogel for Infectious Wound Healing

The persistent challenge of healing infectious wounds and the rise of bacterial resistance represent significant hurdles in contemporary medicine. In this study, based on the natural small molecule drug Rhein self-assembly to form hydrogels and coordinate assembly with silver ions (Ag+), a sustained-release carrier-free hydrogel with compact structure is constructed to promote the repair of bacterial-infected wounds. As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, Ag+ can avoid the problem of bacterial resistance caused by the abuse of traditional antibiotics. In addition, due to the slow-release properties of Rhein hydrogel, continuous effective concentration of Ag+ at the wound site can be ensured. The assembly of Ag+ and Rhein makes the hydrogel system with enhanced mechanical stability. More importantly, it is found that Rhein effectively promotes skin tissue regeneration and wound healing by reprogramming M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages. Further mechanism studies show that Rhein realizes its powerful anti-inflammatory activity through NRF2/HO-1 activation and NF-κB inhibition. Thus, the hydrogel system combines the excellent antibacterial properties of Ag+ with the excellent anti-inflammatory and tissue regeneration ability of Rhein, providing a new strategy for wound management with dual roles.

Biopolymer based nanoparticles and their therapeutic potential in wound healing - A review

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively investigated for their potential in nanomedicine. There is a significant level of enthusiasm about the potential of NPs to bring out a transformative impact on modern healthcare. NPs can serve as effective wound dressings or delivery vehicles due to their antibacterial and pro-wound-healing properties. Biopolymer-based NPs can be manufactured using various food-grade biopolymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers, each offering distinct properties suitable for different applications which include collagen, polycaprolactone, chitosan, alginate, and polylactic acid, etc. Their biodegradable and biocompatible nature renders them ideal nanomaterials for applications in wound healing. Additionally, the nanofibers containing biopolymer-based NPs have shown excellent anti-bacterial and wound healing activity like silver NPs. These NPs represent a paradigm shift in wound healing therapies, offering targeted and personalized solutions for enhanced tissue regeneration and accelerated wound closure. The current review focuses on biopolymer NPs with their applications in wound healing.

Sensing, Imaging, and Therapeutic Strategies Endowing by Conjugate Polymers for Precision Medicine

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have promising applications in biomedical fields, such as disease monitoring, real-time imaging diagnosis, and disease treatment. As a promising luminescent material with tunable emission, high brightness and excellent stability, CPs are widely used as fluorescent probes in biological detection and imaging. Rational molecular design and structural optimization have broadened absorption/emission range of CPs, which are more conductive for disease diagnosis and precision therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of CPs, aiming to elucidate their structural and functional relationships. The fluorescence properties of CPs and the mechanism of detection signal amplification are first discussed, followed by an elucidation of their emerging applications in biological detection. Subsequently, CPs-based imaging systems and therapeutic strategies are illustrated systematically. Finally, recent advancements in utilizing CPs as electroactive materials for bioelectronic devices are also investigated. Moreover, the challenges and outlooks of CPs for precision medicine are discussed. Through this systematic review, it is hoped to highlight the frontier progress of CPs and promote new breakthroughs in fundamental research and clinical transformation.

Injectable Dynamic ROS-Responsive COF-Modified Microalgae Gels for In Vivo bFGF Delivery to Treat Diabetic Wounds

Hypoxia, chronic inflammation, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by hyperglycemia pose formidable challenges to the healing of diabetic chronic wounds, often resulting in impaired recovery. Currently, sustainable and eco-friendly therapeutic approaches targeting this multifaceted problem remain uncharted. Herein, we develop a unique three-functional covalent organic framework (COF)-modified microalgae gel designed for the preparation and treatment of chronic diabetic wounds. The gel comprises an oxygen-releasing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) microalgae matrix, augmented by an ROS-responsive COF. Although two of these components have been reported to be used in wound healing, the combination of all three functions represents an innovative approach to synergize the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds. Therefore, we propose a new concept of "ligand interlocking" with three functional synergistic effects. Specifically, the COF has a similar effect to the "double Excalibur", which binds bFGF to promote angiogenesis and proliferation and inhibit the inflammatory response of chronic wounds and binds live microalgae to eliminate ROS and release dissolved oxygen to alleviate the hypoxia of wounds. Moreover, in vivo experiments and RNA sequencing analyses similarly demonstrated that the COF-modified microalgae gel reduced the inflammatory cascade cycle in the wound site and promoted vascular and tissue regeneration. We posit that the COF-modified microalgae gel represents a promising strategy for the active in vivo delivery of therapeutics to the wound body in intensive care unit settings.

Putting Hybrid Nanomaterials to Work for Biomedical Applications

Hybrid nanomaterials have found use in many biomedical applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of the principles, techniques, and recent advancements in the design and fabrication of hybrid nanomaterials for biomedicine. We begin with an introduction to the general concept of material hybridization, followed by a discussion of how this approach leads to materials with additional functionality and enhanced performance. We then highlight hybrid nanomaterials in the forms of nanostructures, nanocomposites, metal-organic frameworks, and biohybrids, including their fabrication methods. We also showcase the use of hybrid nanomaterials to advance biomedical engineering in the context of nanomedicine, regenerative medicine, diagnostics, theranostics, and biomanufacturing. Finally, we offer perspectives on challenges and opportunities.

The research status and prospects of nanomaterials in wound healing: A scientometric study

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials have swiftly influenced wound healing, propelling the development of wound-healing nanomaterials. Therefore, it's crucial to gather essential information about prominent researches in this domain. Moreover, identifying primary directions and related frontiers in wound healing and nanomaterials is paramount. This will enhance our comprehension of the current research landscape and foster progress in this field. Retrieved from the Web of Science core database, a total of 838 relevant studies published from 2013 to 2022 were analyzed through bibliometric visualization tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrics Online Analysis Platform. The annual study count has been rising steadily, primary contributors to this field include China, India, and the United States. The author with the highest output is Zangeneh, Akram, while Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai garners the most citations. Chinese Academy of Sciences emerges as the leading institution, with Nanomaterials as the predominant journal. The keyword "antibacterial" signals prevailing and forthcoming trends in this domain. This study presents the first scientometric study and bibliometric visualization for wound healing-related nanomaterials, shedding light on research hotspots and trends. Over the course of the decade from 2013 to 2022, enthusiasm for nanomaterials in wound healing research has surged, auguring well for upcoming investigations.

Nanotechnology's frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment

Inflammation-associated diseases encompass a range of infectious diseases and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, which continuously pose one of the most serious threats to human health, attributed to factors such as the emergence of new pathogens, increasing drug resistance, changes in living environments and lifestyles, and the aging population. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for these diseases, current treatments often have limited efficacy and notable side effects, necessitating the development of more effective and targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has provided crucial technological support for the prevention, treatment, and detection of inflammation-associated diseases. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play significant roles, serving as vaccine vehicles to enhance immunogenicity and as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability. NPs can also directly combat pathogens and inflammation. In addition, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of biosensors for pathogen detection and imaging techniques for inflammatory diseases. This review categorizes and characterizes different types of NPs, summarizes their applications in the prevention, treatment, and detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical translation in this field and explores the latest developments and prospects. In conclusion, nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for the comprehensive management of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Pluronic F127-Lipoic Acid Adhesive Nanohydrogel Combining with Ce3+/Tannic Acid/Ulinastatin Nanoparticles for Promoting Wound Healing

Developing strong anti-inflammatory wound dressings is of great significance for protecting inflammatory cutaneous wounds and promoting wound healing. The present study develops a nanocomposite Pluronic F127 (F127)-based hydrogel dressing with injectable, tissue adhesive, and anti-inflammatory performance. Briefly, Ce3+/tannic acid/ulinastatin nanoparticles (Ce3+/TA/UTI NPs) are fabricated. Meanwhile, α-lipoic acid is bonded to the ends of F127 to prepare F127-lipoic acid (F127LA) and its nanomicelles. Due to the gradual viscosity change instead of mutation during phase transition, the mixed Ce3+/TA/UTI NPs and F127LA nanomicelles show well-performed injectability at 37 °C and can form a semisolid composite nanohydrogel that can tightly attach to the skin at 37 °C. Furthermore, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation without a photoinitiator transforms the semisolid hydrogel into a solid hydrogel with well-performed elasticity and toughness. The UV-cured composite nanohydrogel acts as a bioadhesive that can firmly adhere to tissues. Due to the limited swelling property, the hydrogel can firmly adhere to tissues in a wet environment, which can seal wounds and provide a reliable physical barrier for the wounds. Ce3+/TA/UTI NPs in the hydrogel exhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-scavenging ability and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging ability and significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory factors in wounds at the early stage, accelerating LPS-induced wound healing.

Engineered Extracellular Vesicles in Wound Healing: Design, Paradigms, and Clinical Application

The severe quality of life and economic burden imposed by non-healing skin wounds, infection risks, and treatment costs are affecting millions of patients worldwide. To mitigate these challenges, scientists are relentlessly seeking effective treatment measures. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising cell-free therapy strategy, attracting extensive attention from researchers. EVs mediate intercellular communication, possessing excellent biocompatibility and stability. These features make EVs a potential tool for treating a plethora of diseases, including those related to wound repair. However, there is a growing focus on the engineering of EVs to overcome inherent limitations such as low production, relatively fixed content, and targeting capabilities of natural EVs. This engineering could improve both the effectiveness and specificity of EVs in wound repair treatments. In light of this, the present review will introduce the latest progress in the design methods and experimental paradigms of engineered EVs applied in wound repair. Furthermore, it will comprehensively analyze the current clinical research status and prospects of engineered EVs within this field.

Eco-corona-mediated transformation of nano-sized Y2O3 in simulated freshwater: A short-term study

The use of metal and metal oxide nanomaterials (NMs) is experiencing a significant surge in popularity due to their distinctive structures and properties, making them highly attractive for a wide range of applications. This increases the risks of their potential negative impact on organisms if dispersed into the environment. Information about their behavior and transformation upon environmental interactions in aquatic settings is limited. In this study, the influence of naturally excreted biomolecules from the zooplankton Daphnia magna on nanosized Y2O3 of different concentrations was systematically examined in synthetic freshwater in terms of adsorption and eco-corona formation, colloidal stability, transformation, dissolution, and ecotoxicity towards D. magna. The formation of an eco-corona on the surface of the Y2O3 NMs leads to improved colloidal stability and a reduced extent of dissolution. Exposure to the Y2O3 NMs lowered the survival probability of D. magna considerably. The ecotoxic potency was slightly reduced by the formation of the eco-corona, though shown to be particle concentration-specific. Overall, the results highlight the importance of systematic mechanistic and fundamental studies of factors that can affect the environmental fate and ecotoxic potency of NMs.

Preparation and evaluation of oxidized-dextran based on antibacterial hydrogel for synergistic photodynamic therapy

Skin trauma is a widespread, extremely susceptible health issue that affects people all over the world. In this study, an innovative antibacterial hydrogel (ODAA hydrogel) with photosensitizer and antibiotics was developed. Oxidized dextran (ODEX) was used as a carrier to prepare a pH-responsive hydrogel by loading the antibiotic amikacin (AMK) and the photosensitizer hexyl 5-aminolevulinate (HAL) via imine bonds. The ODAA hydrogel has a uniformly distributed cavity structure. The cumulative release rates of HAL and AMK in a simulated inflammatory environment at pH 5.0 were approximately 62.3 % and 71.9 % during 15 days. These results demonstrate the ODAA hydrogel's ability to deliver antibiotics on demand, where the antibiotic content is reduced within the effective range. Regarding the in vitro antibacterial behavior, the combination of HAL and AMK synergistically destroyed the majority of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria through several pathways with broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. ODAA hydrogel has been shown to be biocompatible, nearly non-cytotoxic, and capable of promoting wound healing. It is anticipated that the simultaneous targeted delivery of multiple drugs to lesions in the same carrier at ideal dose ratios for particular therapeutic combinations will produce the most synergistic effects.

Antibacterial, antioxidant and injectable hydrogels constructed using CuS and curcumin co-loaded micelles for NIR-enhanced infected wound healing

Constructing antibacterial and antioxidant hydrogels is critical for treating infected full-thickness skin wounds. Herein, we report a co-encapsulation strategy to load CuS nanoparticles and hydrophobic antioxidant curcumin (cur) in aldehyde-terminated F127 micelles, which are then cross-linked with carboxymethyl chitosan through a Schiff base reaction to form a functional composite hydrogel (CF-CuS-cur). Apart from its suitable swelling and degradation behavior, good biocompatibility, and injectability for treating irregular wounds, the CF-CuS-cur hydrogel displayed excellent photothermal antibacterial ability under 1064 nm NIR laser irradiation, and antioxidant activity to protect cells from excessive oxidative stress. Using a full-thickness infected wound model, we demonstrated that the CF-CuS-cur hydrogel accelerated the wound healing process by effective sterilization and decreased inflammation, under synergistic action from CuS, curcumin and NIR irradiation. Histological and immunohistochemistry analysis further revealed the promoted skin attachments and regeneration, collagen deposition, neovascularization, and early transition to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, when the wounds were treated with the CF-CuS-cur hydrogel. This work demonstrates a facile strategy to construct functional hydrogels with NIR-enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can be potentially applied as wound dressings for treating chronic wounds.

An injectable, self-healing, and antioxidant collagen- and hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel mediated with gallic acid and dopamine for wound repair

Injectable self-healing hydrogels with antioxidation are required in wound dressings. Because oxidative damage caused by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common issue associated with chronic non-healing wounds. Here, collagen (COL) - and hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel with antioxidant and injectable self-healing mediated with gallic acid (GA) and dopamine (DA) offers unique advantages for wound repair. The hydrogel is constructed by COL-grafted GA (CG), HA-grafted DA (HD) and γ-poly(glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) coupled with 3-aminophenylboric acid (APBA) via the dynamic boronic ester bonds. Rheological measurements and direct visual observation demonstrated the hydrogel's desirable injectability and self-healing properties. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibits tissue adhesion properties. Biocompatibility and cell migration tests showed that the hydrogel promotes cell proliferation and migration. In vitro, antioxidant and intracellular free radical scavenging assays confirmed the hydrogel's antioxidant property and ability to scavenge excess ROS. In vivo wound healing studies have demonstrated that hydrogel can promote angiogenesis, inhibit inflammation, and promote collagen fiber deposition to accelerate wound healing.

Immunomodulatory Nanosystems: Advanced Delivery Tools for Treating Chronic Wounds

The increasingly aging society led to a rise in the prevalence of chronic wounds (CWs), posing a significant burden to public health on a global scale. One of the key features of CWs is the presence of a maladjusted immune microenvironment characterized by persistent and excessive (hyper)inflammation. A variety of immunomodulatory therapies have been proposed to address this condition. Yet, to date, current delivery systems for immunomodulatory therapy remain inadequate and lack efficiency. This highlights the need for new therapeutic delivery systems, such as nanosystems, to manage the pathological inflammatory imbalance and, ultimately, improve the treatment outcomes of CWs. While a plethora of immunomodulatory nanosystems modifying the immune microenvironment of CWs have shown promising therapeutic effects, the literature on the intersection of immunomodulatory nanosystems and CWs remains relatively scarce. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis and characteristics of the immune microenvironment in CWs, discuss important advancements in our understanding of CW healing, and delineate the versatility and applicability of immunomodulatory nanosystems-based therapies in the therapeutic management of CWs. In addition, we herein also shed light on the main challenges and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving research field.

Electrospun/3D-Printed Bicomponent Scaffold Co-Loaded with a Prodrug and a Drug with Antibacterial and Immunomodulatory Properties

This work reports the construction of a bicomponent scaffold co-loaded with both a prodrug and a drug (BiFp@Ht) as an efficient platform for wound dressing, by combining the electrospinning and 3D-printing technologies. The outer component consisted of a chitosan/polyethylene oxide-electrospun membrane loaded with the indomethacin-polyethylene glycol-indomethacin prodrug (Fp) and served as a support for printing the inner component, a gelatin methacryloyl/sodium alginate hydrogel loaded with tetracycline hydrochloride (Ht). The different architectural characteristics of the electrospun and 3D-printed layers were very well highlighted in a morphological analysis performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In vitro release profile studies demonstrated that both Fp and Ht layers were capable to release the loaded therapeutics in a controlled and sustained manner. According to a quantitative in vitro biological assessment, the bicomponent BiFp@Ht scaffold showed a good biocompatibility and no cytotoxic effect on HeLa cell cultures, while the highest proliferation level was noted in the case of HeLa cells seeded onto an Fp nanofibrous membrane. Furthermore, the BiFp@Ht scaffold presented an excellent antimicrobial activity against the E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains, along with promising anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic activities, proving its potential to be used for wound dressing.

Positively Charged Carbon Dots with Antibacterial and Antioxidant Dual Activities for Promoting Infected Wound Healing

Bacterial infection and excess reactive oxygen species are key factors that lead to slow or substantially delayed wound healing. It is crucial to design and develop new nanomaterials with antibacterial and antioxidative capabilities for wound healing. Here, positively charged carbon dots (CDs) are rationally designed and synthesized from p-phenylenediamine and polyethyleneimine by a facile one-pot solvothermal method, which show good biocompatibility in in vitro cytotoxicity, hemolysis assays, and in vivo toxicity evaluation. The positively charged CDs show superior antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at very low concentrations, reducing the risk of wound infection. At the same time, CDs with surface defects and unpaired electrons can effectively scavenge excess free radicals to reduce oxidative stress damage, accelerate wound inflammation-proliferation transition, and promote wound healing. The mouse model of skin infection demonstrates that CDs can effectively promote the wound healing of skin infection without obvious side effects by simply dropping or spraying onto the wound. We believe that the prepared CDs have satisfactory biocompatibility, antioxidant capacity, and excellent antibacterial activity and have great application potential in wound healing.

Polymeric Gel Scaffolds and Biomimetic Environments for Wound Healing

Infected wounds that do not heal are a worldwide problem that is worsening, with more people dying and more money being spent on care. For any disease to be managed effectively, its root cause must be addressed. Effective wound care becomes a bigger problem when various traditional wound healing methods and products may not only fail to promote good healing. Still, it may also hinder the healing process, causing wounds to stay open longer. Progress in tissue regeneration has led to developing three-dimensional scaffolds (3D) or constructs that can be leveraged to facilitate cell growth and regeneration while preventing infection and accelerating wound healing. Tissue regeneration uses natural and fabricated biomaterials that encourage the growth of tissues or organs. Even though the clinical need is urgent, the demand for polymer-based therapeutic techniques for skin tissue abnormalities has grown quickly. Hydrogel scaffolds have become one of the most imperative 3D cross-linked scaffolds for tissue regeneration because they can hold water perfectly and are porous, biocompatible, biodegradable, and biomimetic. For damaged organs or tissues to heal well, the porosity topography of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) should be imitated. This review details the scaffolds that heal wounds and helps skin tissue to develop. After a brief overview of the bioactive and drug-loaded polymeric hydrogels, the discussion moves on to how the scaffolds are made and what they are made of. It highlights the present uses of in vitro and in-vivo employed biomimetic scaffolds. The prospects of how well bioactiveloaded hydrogels heal wounds and how nanotechnology assists in healing and regeneration have been discussed.