Skin immunity in wound healing and cancer

In-vitro and in-vivo studies of Tridax procumbens leaf extract incorporated bilayer polycaprolactone/polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan electrospun nanofiber for wound dressing application

This study was an attempt to fabricate an antibacterial wound dressing, which was a bilayered polycaprolactone / polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan (PCL/PVA-CS) nanofibrous membrane. Entrapping ethanolic leaf extract of Tridax procumbens L. (PCL/PVA-CS/Tp). The membrane was prepared using the electrospinning technique to obtain beadless uniform nanofibers. The extract was then infused into the membrane by spraying and exposing to high temperature. in vitro antibacterial activity and cell viability of the membranes were performed. An optimized concentration of 800 μg. mL-1 of Tp extract in PCL/PVA-CS/Tp evinced better antibacterial effect on E. coli than S. aureus and also showed rapid wound closure with a positive impact on the viability of L929 cell line. The tissue regeneration efficacy of PCL/PVA-CS/Tp was validated by the experiments on mice models with subcutaneous wounds created using biopsy punch and laser radiation causing burns. Furthermore, in vivo assessments illustrated that the biopsy punch wounds healed more rapidly than laser burn though healing was significant in both. The healing processes such as anti-inflammation and re-epithelialization were observed through histological study. The upregulation of proteins namely VEGF and CD31 along with a decrease in protein levels of Wnt and TGF-β indicated significant wound healing. In conclusion, the bilayered membrane infused with plant extract could be considered a potential material for wound dressing.

Chitosan Nanoparticles: A Promising Candidate in Wound Healing

The wound healing process is really interesting, dynamic, and complex, captivating researchers for a long time. With the growing worldwide concern regarding the prevalence of wounds and the associated healthcare challenges, efforts to expedite this natural process have intensified. Fortunately, with a particular focus on improving wound dressings, significant advancements have been made in wound care management including using of nanoparticle-based delivery systems. These nanoparticles, similar to molecular messengers, purchase vast promise for revolutionizing wound treatment. Among them, chitosan nanoparticles stand out as remarkable candidates. Their safety profile, biocompatibility, and bioactivity make them particularly appealing for wound care. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of wound healing and then discuss the wound-healing properties of chitosan nanoparticles, supported by comprehensive study results. Current evidence highlights the wound-healing effects of chitosan nanoparticles, which can be considered independent agents for wound management. In conclusion, the utilization of chitosan nanoparticles for wound healing presents significant opportunities and potential.Graphical abstract [Formula: see text].

Combined metabolomics and network pharmacology to elucidate the mechanisms of Huiyang Shengji decoction in treating diabetic skin ulcer mice

BACKGROUND

Diabetic skin ulcer is a clinical disorder of glucose metabolism that has a long treatment period and is prone to recurrent episodes. Huiyang Shengji decoction (HYSJD) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine for its clinical treatment, but its metabolic effects in patients with diabetic skin ulcers have not been well studied.

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to investigate the mechanism of pharmacological treatment of HYSJD in treating diabetic skin ulcers.

METHODS

The potential mechanism underlying diabetic wound treatment by HYSJD was screened using network pharmacology. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS metabolomics analysis and correlation analysis were performed to investigate potential target pathways and genes. Furthermore, the db/db diabetic wound tissues and RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation model verified the mechanism using molecular biology experiments.

RESULTS

In network pharmacology, HYSJD played a mainly therapeutic effect by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, metabolic pathway, and other related metabolic-related pathways. Metabolomics analysis disclosed that L-lysine content increased, while those of linoleic and deoxycholic acids decreased in plasma between the HYSJD-treated group and the control group, participating in biotin metabolism. Among them, PPARγ played an important role. The experiments conducted in db/db mice indicated that HYSJD facilitates VEGF secretion and PPARγ expression. In vitro experiments have revealed that HYSJD inhibits macrophage ROS production, augments mitochondrial ATP production, elevates mitochondrial membrane potential, and diminishes the mitochondrial ECAR rate. Furthermore, these effects culminate in promoting M2 macrophage polarization through PPARγ activation. The molecular docking results revealed that the active compounds from HYSJD were capable of binding to PPARγ protein primarily through hydrogen bonding interactions. Notably, all binding energies were found to be lower than -3 kcal/mol, indicating strong and favorable interactions between the active compounds and the target receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggested that HYSJD regulates biotin metabolism by reducing excess levels of linoleic and deoxycholic acids and increasing levels of L-lysine, which in turn promotes diabetic wound healing by promoting M2 macrophage polarization through PPARγ up-regulation. These findings indicated that HYSJD is a decoction that can effectively treat diabetic skin ulcers.

Zinc sulfate gel reshapes the wound microenvironment to promote full-thickness wound healing in mice

Delayed healing of skin wounds significantly impacts human life, Zinc plays a pivotal role in human growth, the immune system, and various cellular processes. Previous studies have demonstrated that zinc supplementation or topical zinc ion therapy can accelerate wound healing in cases of skin injury. Zinc deficiency has been linked to delayed wound healing, but the role it plays remains to be elucidated. In this study, we report the preparation of zinc sulfate gel to promote wound healing by treating inflammation, antioxidant effects, and angiogenesis. We demonstrated the efficacy of zinc sulfate gel in wound healing in a mouse model of full-thickness skin excision, spared the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities of zinc ions. Furthermore, Zinc sulfate gel can stimulate tissue to enter the proliferative phase by regulating macrophage polarization, thereby accelerating collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, and extracellular matrix production and remodeling. In conclusion, zinc ion gel provides a promising strategy for skin wounds regeneration.

Black rice bioactive with multifunctional health promotional activities: A special reference to wound healing activity with polyhydroxybutyrate composite

Black rice (BR) extract contains several functional food bioactive components that are health-promoting. This study assessed the multifunctional bioactivities of various BR extracts (methanol, ethanol, acetone, and aqueous). These BR extracts revealed significant antioxidant and antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains. Acetone extract exhibited high cytotoxicity against gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS), while ethanol extract was cytotoxic against pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1). Moreover, the acetone extract induced 33.6 % and 16.5 % apoptosis in PANC-1 and AGS cells, respectively. Acetone extract showed significant anti-inflammatory action, reducing 76 % production of nitric oxide in the RAW 264.7 (murine macrophage). Furthermore, all BR extracts inhibited PANC-1 and AGS migration and promoted RAW 264.7 migration. Field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis of the BR-polyhydroxybutyrate composite revealed successful deposition for BR extracts. This study highlights the potential of BR extracts to develop multifunctional activity-based strips for rapid wound healing.

Advanced transdermal drug delivery system: A comprehensive review of microneedle technologies, novel designs, diverse applications, and critical challenges

Transdermal drug delivery presents numerous advantages over conventional administration routes, including non-invasiveness, enhanced patient adherence, circumvention of hepatic first-pass metabolism, self-administration capabilities, controlled release, and increased bioavailability. Nevertheless, the barrier function of stratum corneum limits this strategy to molecules possessing requisite physicochemical attributes. To expand the field of transdermal delivery, researchers have pioneered physical enhancement techniques, with micron-sized needles emerging as a particularly promising platform for the transdermal and intradermal delivery of therapeutic agents across a spectrum of molecular sizes. Microneedles function by disrupting the skin's integrity, generating microchannels that facilitate efficient drug permeation. This innovative technology boasts a captivating profile characterized by non-invasive drug delivery, enhanced efficacy and onset time, improved patient acceptability, self-administration possibilities, and precise dosing capabilities. Consequently, both academic institutions and industry have invested substantial resources in the development of microneedle systems for pharmaceutical delivery. This comprehensive review elucidates the multifaceted aspects of microneedle technology, encompassing its historical evolution, diverse materials, innovative designs, fabrication methodologies, and characterization techniques. The review extends to various microneedle types, including solid, hollow, coated, dissolving, swelling, and porous microneedles, as well as cutting-edge designs such as stimulus-responsive, iontophoresis-assisted, and bionic microneedles. Furthermore, we explore microneedle applications in vaccination, targeted delivery, and the administration of biologics, long-acting therapeutic agents, and cosmetics. Critical challenges in microneedle development, including dimensional considerations, safety concerns, acceptability factors, production scalability, regulatory hurdles, and sustainability issues, are thoroughly addressed, alongside a presentation of future prospects in this rapidly evolving field.

Beyond the Needle: Innovative Microneedle-Based Transdermal Vaccination

Vaccination represents a critical preventive strategy in the current global healthcare system, serving as an indispensable intervention against diverse pathogenic threats. Although conventional immunization relies predominantly on hypodermic needle-based administration, this method carries substantial limitations, including needle-associated fear, bloodborne pathogen transmission risks, occupational injuries among healthcare workers, waste management issues, and dependence on trained medical personnel. Microneedle technology has emerged as an innovative vaccine delivery system, offering convenient, effective, and minimally invasive administration. These microscale needle devices facilitate targeted antigen delivery to epidermal and dermal tissues, where abundant populations of antigen-presenting cells, specifically Langerhans and dermal dendritic cells, provide robust immunological responses. Multiple research groups have extensively investigated microneedle-based vaccination strategies. This transdermal delivery technique offers several advantages, notably circumventing cold-chain requirements and enabling self-administration. Numerous preclinical investigations and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety profile, immunogenicity, and patient acceptance of microneedle-mediated vaccine delivery across diverse immunization applications. This comprehensive review examines the fundamental aspects of microneedle-based immunization, including vaccination principles, transcutaneous immunization strategies, and microneedle-based transdermal delivery-including classifications, advantages, and barriers. Furthermore, this review addresses critical technical considerations, such as treatment efficacy, application methodologies, wear duration, dimensional optimization, manufacturing processes, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability considerations, followed by an analysis of the future perspective of this technology.

Dietary Macronutrient Composition and Risk of Radiation-Induced Acute Skin Toxicity in Women with Breast Cancer: Results from the ATHENA Project

BACKGROUND

The impact of the dietary macronutrient composition and its subcomponents (saccharides, fatty acids, and protein sources) on radiation-induced acute skin toxicity (AST) in breast cancer (BC) patients is unknown. Hence, we examined the association between dietary macronutrients and their subcomponents and the risk of ≥grade 2 (G2) AST post-radiotherapy among women with BC.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted among 161 BC patients treated with radiotherapy and enrolled in the ATHENA project in Italy. Habitual dietary intake was assessed at study entry (T0) using a 188-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). AST was measured at T1 (after 3 or 5 weeks of radiotherapy) and defined according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. A prospective analysis used multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models to examine the association between the dietary macronutrient composition and its subcomponents at T0 and the odds of ≥G2 AST post-radiotherapy.

RESULTS

≥G2 AST post-radiotherapy was observed in 43 (27%) patients. Among dietary macronutrient models, a higher intake of dietary carbohydrates was positively associated with a 30% higher odds of ≥G2 AST post-radiotherapy (OR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.67; for 30 g/d). Conversely, a higher dietary protein intake was inversely associated with a 76% lower odds of ≥G2 AST post-radiotherapy (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.91; for 30 g/d). There was no association with dietary fat. In macronutrient subcomponent models, only animal protein was inversely associated with a 51% lower odds of ≥G2 AST post-radiotherapy (0.49; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.95; for 15 g/d).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary carbohydrates were associated with a higher risk of radiation-induced AST among women with BC, whereas dietary protein, especially animal protein, was associated with a lower risk. Cautiously balancing carbohydrate and protein intakes could be a part of the clinical management strategy for ≥G2 AST reduction post-radiotherapy among BC women.

Methylglyoxal impairs human dermal fibroblast survival and migration by altering RAGE-hTERT mRNA expression in vitro

Fibroblasts are native residents in dermal layer of human skin which are important for dermal regeneration and essential during cutaneous wound healing by releasing inflammatory markers and actively migrate to close an open wound. Premature skin ageing due to methylglyoxal (MGO) has recently caught the attention considering its potential to accelerate the emergence of skin ageing signs, however previous studies were only focused in primary neonatal dermal fibroblast and NIH3t3 fibroblast cell line. Therefore, thorough investigation is required to study the impact of MGO on primary human dermal fibroblast isolated from adult subject (HDFa). In our experiments, short exposure of MGO was observed to induced significant reductions in cell viability at concentrations of 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 mM (p < 0.005) after 3 hours of treatment. The cellular death of HDFa at 10, 12.5 and 15 mM of MGO were also marked by increased in intracellular ROS level, indicating the involvement of oxidative stress-induced death in these cells. We also observed enlarge scratch areas of cells exposed with 7.5 and 10 mM MGO compared to control after 26 hours, thereby suggesting a decline in cell migration and viability in this group. We propose the increased ROS as the consequence of AGE-RAGE activation which was marked by significant elevation of RAGE mRNA on cells exposed to 10 mM MGO. Our data also suggest the occurrence of DNA damage events via ROS-induced oxidation or mediated by decline in hTERT mRNA expression.

Effectiveness of Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Cell Therapy Alone is Not Enough for Effective Management of Chronic Wounds

We read with great interest the meta-analysis by Mudgal et al. (2024) regarding the effectiveness and safety assessment of stem cell therapy for diabetic foot ulcers. Indeed, The management of chronic wounds requires innovative approaches to avoid unsuccessful outcomes, and stromal cell therapies have emerged as a potential solution for soft tissue repair. A critical aspect of this therapeutic strategy is the role of mast cells in stimulating delayed inflammation through their interactions with various cells as well as the extracellular matrix. Mast cells are critical in orchestrating the inflammatory response and their activation can influence macrophage behavior and secondary healing efficacy. The use of mesenchymal stromal cells in regenerative medicine for diabetic foot ulcers treatment is often limited by their time-limited anti-inflammatory responses. However, these time-limited effects could not achieve the prolonged effects and impact of cell therapy efficacy and the potential enhancement of cell function by biologically active factors such as growth factors or gene therapeutics for prolonged release. The integration of cell and prolonged release gene therapeutics is a promising approach that goes beyond regenerative medicine by preventing secondary inflammatory complications. While mesenchymal stromal cells have shown promising results in experimental and clinical studies, there are limitations to their efficacy in regenerative medicine for diabetic foot ulcers. These limitations include the heterogeneity of cell populations used in the studies, the difficulty in determining the contribution of cells when used in combination with materials, the lack of data on optimal cell numbers for tissue repair, the effect of culture conditions on cell therapy efficacy, and the potential enhancement of cell efficacy by the use of additional biologics such as growth factors or gene therapeutics. The combination of cell and gene therapy is seen as a promising approach that goes beyond regenerative medicine into the field of molecular surgery of chronic wounds.

Multiple strategies approach: A novel crosslinked hydrogel forming chitosan-based microneedles chemowrap patch loaded with 5-fluorouracil liposomes for chronic wound cancer treatment

Untreated or poorly managed chronic wounds can progress to skin cancer. Topically applied 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a nonspecific cytostatic agent, can cause various side effects. Its high polarity also results in low cell membrane affinity and bioavailability. Hydrogel, used for its occlusive effect, is one platform for treating chronic wounds combined with PEGylated liposomes (LPs), developed to increase drug-skin affinity. This research aimed to develop a novel hydrogel forming chitosan-based microneedles (HFM) chemowrap patch containing 5-FU PEGylated LPs, improving 5-FU efficiency for pre-carcinogenic and carcinogenic skin lesions. The results indicated that the 5-FU-PEGylated LPs-loaded HFM chemowrap patch exhibited desirable physical and mechanical characteristics with complete penetration ability. Furthermore, in vivo skin permeation studies demonstrated the highest percentage of 5-FU permeated the skin (42.06 ± 11.82 %) and skin deposition (75.90 ± 1.13 %) compared to the other treatments, with demonstrated superior percentages of complete wound healing in in vivo (47.00 ± 5.77 % wound healing at day 7) and in NHF cells (92.79 ± 7.15 % at 48 h). Furthermore, 5-FU-PEGylated LPs-loaded HFM chemowrap patches exhibit efficient anticancer activity while maintaining safety for normal cells. The results also show that the developed formulation of a 5-FU-PEGylated LPs-loaded HFM chemowrap patch could enhance apoptosis higher than that of the 5-FU solution. Consequently, 5-FU PEGylated LPs-loaded HFM chemowrap patch represented a promising drug delivery approach for treating pre-carcinogenic and carcinogenic skin lesions.

Coaxial electrospun nanofiber accelerates infected wound healing via engineered probiotic biofilm

Bacterial infection is the primary cause of delayed wound healing. Infected wounds suffer from a series of harmful factors in the harsh wound microenvironment (WME), greatly damaging their potential for tissue regeneration. Herein, a novel probiotic biofilm-based antibacterial strategy is proposed through experimentation. Firstly, a series of coaxial polycaprolactone (PCL) / silk fibroin (SF) nanofiber films (termed as PSN-n, n = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0, respectively) are prepared by coaxial electrospinning and their physiochemical properties are comprehensively characterized. Afterward, the PSN-1.5 is selected and co-cultured with L. paracasei to allow the formation of probiotic biofilm. The probiotic biofilm-loaded PSN-1.5 nanofiber film (termed as PSNL-1.5) exhibits relatively good broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and enhanced pro-regenerative capability by immunoregulation of M2 macrophage. A wound healing assay is performed using an S. aureus-infected skin defect model. The application effect of PSNL-1.5 is significantly better than that of a commercial nano‑silver burn & scald dressing (Anson®), revealing huge potential for clinical translation. This study is of significant novelty in demonstrating the antibacterial and pro-regenerative abilities of probiotic biofilms. The product of this study will be extensively used for treating infected wounds or other wounds.

Enhancing wound healing through innovative technologies: microneedle patches and iontophoresis

Introduction

Wound healing is a complex process involving multiple stages, including inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Effective wound management strategies are essential for accelerating healing and improving outcomes. The CELLADEEP patch, incorporating iontophoresis therapy and microneedle technology, was evaluated for its potential to enhance the wound healing process.

Methods

This study utilized a full-thickness skin defect model in Sprague-Dawley rats, researchers compared wound healing outcomes between rats treated with the CELLADEEP Patch and those left untreated. Various histological staining techniques were employed to examine and assess the wound healing process, such as H&E, MT and immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and proliferative capabilities were further investigated using biochemical assays.

Results

Macroscopic and microscopic analyses revealed that the CELLADEEP patch significantly accelerated wound closure, reduced wound width, and increased epidermal thickness and collagen deposition compared to an untreated group. The CELLADEEP patch decreased nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species levels, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, indicating effective modulation of the inflammatory response. Immunofluorescence staining showed reduced markers of macrophage activity (CD68, F4/80, MCP-1) in the patch group, suggesting a controlled inflammation process. Increased levels of vimentin, α-SMA, VEGF, collagen I, and TGF-β1 were observed, indicating enhanced fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix production.

Discussion

The CELLADEEP patch demonstrated potential in promoting effective wound healing by accelerating wound closure, modulating the inflammatory response, and enhancing tissue proliferation and remodeling. The CELLADEEP patch offers a promising non-invasive treatment option for improving wound healing outcomes.

A student-community partnership to enhance cancer research training

BACKGROUND

Despite the importance of community involvement in research, little formal training in community outreach and engagement (COE) is offered to cancer research trainees. A collaboration between the Office of COE and the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson led to the COE-CRTEC Trainee Working Group, a unique program in which trainees in cancer research each created a novel COE initiative.

METHODS

Four cancer research trainees were selected to serve as COE Program Liaisons (CPLs), each aligned with one of the four cancer center research programs. Each CPL developed, implemented, and evaluated a project that enhanced the bidirectional relationship between their research and the community. Trainees were provided a modest budget, support from the Office of COE, and a requirement to complete the project within one academic year.

RESULTS

Projects included a cancer education seminar for older adults at a senior center, a prostate cancer education and screening event at a predominantly African American church, a video demonstrating a day in the life of a skin cancer researcher, and a podcast that featured SKCCC investigators answering research questions from community members.

CONCLUSION

Students who would not typically be exposed to COE training gained experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based initiatives. Projects were diverse in topic and approach, reflecting the diversity of the trainees and the community. Allowing trainees, those who are the next generation of cancer researchers, to design community-based research may lead to more patient-centered research in the future.

Nanomaterial combined engineered bacteria for intelligent tumor immunotherapy

Cancer remains the leading cause of human death worldwide. Compared to traditional therapies, tumor immunotherapy has received a lot of attention and research focus due to its potential to activate both innate and adaptive immunity, low toxicity to normal tissue, and long-term immune activity. However, its clinical effectiveness and large-scale application are limited due to the immunosuppression microenvironment, lack of spatiotemporal control, expensive cost, and long manufacturing time. Recently, nanomaterial combined engineered bacteria have emerged as a promising solution to the challenges of tumor immunotherapy, which offers spatiotemporal control, reversal of immunosuppression, and scalable production. Therefore, we summarize the latest research on nanomaterial-assisted engineered bacteria for precise tumor immunotherapies, including the cross-talk of nanomaterials and bacteria as well as their application in different immunotherapies. In addition, we further discuss the advantages and challenges of nanomaterial-engineered bacteria and their future prospects, inspiring more novel and intelligent tumor immunotherapy.

Exploring the antimicrobial activity of rare ginsenosides and the progress of their related pharmacological effects

BACKGROUND

Panax ginseng C. A. Mey is a precious medicinal resource that could be used to treat a variety of diseases. Saponins are the most important bioactive components of, and rare ginsenosides (Rg3, Rh2, Rk1 and Rg5, etc.) refer to the chemical structure changes of primary ginsenosides through dehydration and desugarization reactions, to obtain triterpenoids that are easier to be absorbed by the human body and have higher activity.

PURPOSE

At present, the research of P. ginseng. is widely focused on anticancer related aspects, and there are few studies on the antibacterial and skin protection effects of rare ginsenosides. This review summarizes the rare ginsenosides related to bacterial inhibition and skin protection and provides a new direction for P. ginseng research.

METHODS

PubMed and Web of Science were searched for English-language studies on P. ginseng published between January 2002 and March 2024. Selected manuscripts were evaluated manually for additional relevant references. This review includes basic scientific articles and related studies such as prospective and retrospective cohort studies.

CONCLUSION

This paper summarizes the latest research progress of several rare ginsenosides, discusses the antibacterial effect of rare ginsenosides, and finds that ginsenosides can effectively protect the skin and promote wound healing during use, so as to play an efficient antibacterial effect, and further explore the other medicinal value of ginseng. It is expected that this review will provide a wider understanding and new ideas for further research and development of P. ginseng drugs.

Utility of synthetic electrospun fiber matrix in general surgery: From head to toe

BACKGROUND

To highlight the role of a novel synthetic electrospun fiber matrix in the treatment of high-risk wounds across a range of etiologies.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients at a single institution who underwent complex wound care treatment with at least 1 application of the electrospun fiber matrix from January 2021 to December 2022. Information regarding patient demographics, wound size and etiologies, pertinent medical history, and treatment outcomes was collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with 24 complex wounds who received synthetic electrospun fiber matrix treatment were identified. Nineteen patients (22 wounds) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Patient mean age was 63.58 ± 15.20 (range 34-90) years. A wide range of wound etiologies was represented, including transmetatarsal amputation secondary to frostbite (n = 1), post-Mohs defect (n = 2), acute trauma (n = 3), surgical dehiscence (n = 3), infected implanted medical device (n = 2), chronic ulcers (n = 3), partial ray resection (n = 1), pilonidal cyst (n = 1), rattlesnake bite (n = 1), necrotizing soft-tissue infection (n = 1), and others (n = 2). A total of 17 of 19 (89.5%) patients were observed to meet their individual clinical goals after application of the wound matrix. Wound ages ranged from 1 to 429 days before initial synthetic electrospun fiber matrix application.

CONCLUSION

The synthetic nature of the matrix limits the risk of inflammatory response and is well tolerated, which demonstrates initial proof of concept of synthetic electrospun fiber matrix treatment in a variety of complex wounds. The positive results observed across this mixed etiology surgical analysis should be replicated in future controlled, single-etiology studies to further confirm the utility of the electrospun fiber matrix in the surgical setting.

Recent Progress of Electrospun Nanofiber Dressing in the Promotion of Wound Healing

The nanofiber materials of three-dimensional spatial structure synthesized by electrospun have the characteristics of high porosity, high specific surface area, and high similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the human body. These are beneficial for absorbing wound exudate, effectively blocking the invasion of external bacteria, and promoting cell respiration and proliferation, which provides an ideal microenvironment for wound healing. Moreover, electrospun nanofiber dressings can flexibly load drugs according to the condition of the wound, further promoting wound healing. Recently, electrospun nanofiber materials have shown promising application prospects as medical dressings in clinical. Based on current research, this article reviewed the development history of wound dressings and the principles of electrospun technology. Subsequently, based on the types of base material, polymer-based electrospun nanofiber dressing and electrospun nanofiber dressing containing drug-releasing factors were discussed. Furthermore, the application of electrospun nanofiber dressing on skin tissue is highlighted. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the current research on electrospun nanomaterials for wound healing, addressing challenges and suggesting future research directions to advance the field of electrospun dressings in wound healing.

Recent progress of microneedles in transdermal immunotherapy: A review

Since human skin is an immune organ, a large number of immune cells are distributed in the epidermis and the dermis of the skin. Transdermal immunotherapy shows great therapeutic advantages in innate immunotherapy and adaptive immunotherapy. To solve the problem that macromolecules are difficult to penetrate into the skin, the microneedle technology can directly break through the skin barrier using micron-sized needles in a non-invasive and painless way for transdermal drug delivery. Therefore, it is considered to be an effective technology to increase drug transdermal absorption. In this review, the types of preparation, the combinations with different techniques and the mechanisms of microneedles in transdermal immunotherapy were summarized. Compared with traditional immunotherapy like intramuscular injection and subcutaneous injection, the microneedle has many advantages in transdermal immunotherapy, such as reducing patient pain, enhancing vaccine stability, and inducing stronger immune responses. Although there are still some limitations to be solved, the application of microneedle technology in transdermal immunotherapy is undoubtedly a promising means of drug delivery.

Preparation of antimicrobial peptides and their combination with hydrogels for wound healing applications

The problem of drug resistance caused by long-term use of antibiotics has been a concern for many years. As this problem worsens, there are various bacterial-induced infections that have a serious impact on human health. Currently, antimicrobial peptides are good alternatives to antibiotics, which have powerful antimicrobial activity and unique antimicrobial mechanisms. Developing bacterial resistance is not easy. In addition, how to reduce the production cost of antimicrobial peptides and improve the screening efficiency are the problems that must be solved for antimicrobial peptide application. In this study, we employed cell membrane chromatography linked with the one-bead-one-substance approach to screen and prepare the antimicrobial peptide (SALSP), which offers the benefits of fast synthetic screening and easy operation. Meanwhile, the antimicrobial peptide showed great antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. We prepared a conjugated sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel wound dressing incorporating antimicrobial peptides to promote wound healing. In conclusion, this research provides solutions for the development and application of antimicrobial peptides.

Lipid-based nanosystems for wound healing

INTRODUCTION

Wounds, resulting from traumas, surgery, burns or diabetes, are important medical problems due to the complexity of wound healing process regarding healing times and healthcare costs. Nanosystems have emerged as promising candidates in this field thank to their properties and versatile applications in drugs delivery.

AREAS COVERED

Lipid-based nanosystems (LBN) are described for wound treatment, highlighting their different behaviors when interacting with the cutaneous tissue. The role of nanosystems in delivering mostly natural compounds on skin as well as the technological and engineering strategies to increase their efficiency in wound healing effect are reviewed. Finally, in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo studies are reported.

EXPERT OPINION

LBN have shown promise in addressing the challenges of wound healing as they can improve the stability of drugs used in wound therapy, leading to higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects as compared to traditional formulations. LBNs being involved in the inflammatory and proliferation stages of the wound healing process, enable the modification of wound healing through multiple ways. In addition, the use of new technologies, including 3D bioprinting and photobiomodulation, may lead to potential breakthroughs in wound healing. This would provide clinicians with more potent forms of therapy for wound healing.

Tacrolimus-loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles as an efficient topical therapeutic for the effective treatment of atopic dermatitis symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic cutaneous disease with a complex underlying mechanism, and it cannot be completely cured. Thus, most treatment strategies for AD aim at relieving the symptoms. Although corticosteroids are topically applied to alleviate AD, adverse side effects frequently lead to the withdrawal of AD therapy. Tacrolimus (TAC), a calcineurin inhibitor, has been used to treat AD, but its high molecular weight and insolubility in water hinder its skin permeability. Herein, we developed and optimized TAC-loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles (TAC@CNPs) to improve the skin permeability of TAC by breaking the tight junctions in the skin. The prepared nanoparticles were highly loadable and efficient and exhibited appropriate characteristics for percutaneous drug delivery. TAC@CNP was stable for 4 weeks under physiological conditions. CNP released TAC in a controlled manner, with enhanced skin penetration observed. In vitro experiments showed that CNP was non-toxic to keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, and TAC@CNP dispersed in an aqueous solution was as anti-proliferative as TAC solubilized in a good organic solvent. Importantly, an in vivo AD mouse model revealed that topical TAC@CNP containing ~1/10 of the dose of TAC found in commercially used Protopic® Ointment exhibited similar anti-inflammatory activity to that of the commercial product. TAC@CNP represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of AD.

Spatiotemporal orchestration of macrophage activation trajectories by Vγ4 T cells during skin wound healing

Dysregulated macrophage polarization from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes underlies impaired cutaneous wound healing. This study reveals Vγ4+ γδ T cells spatiotemporally calibrate macrophage trajectories during skin repair via sophisticated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) conditioning across multiple interconnected tissues. Locally within wound beds, infiltrating Vγ4+ γδ T cells directly potentiate M1 activation and suppress M2 polarization thereby prolonging local inflammation. In draining lymph nodes, infiltrated Vγ4+ γδ T cells expand populations of IFN-γ-competent lymphocytes which disseminate systemically and infiltrate into wound tissues, further enforcing M1 macrophages programming. Moreover, Vγ4+γδ T cells flushed into bone marrow stimulate increased IFN-γ production, which elevates the output of pro-inflammatory Ly6C+monocytes. Mobilization of these monocytes continually replenishes the M1 macrophage pool in wounds, preventing phenotypic conversion to M2 activation. Thus, multi-axis coordination of macrophage activation trajectories by trafficking Vγ4+ γδ T cells provides a sophisticated immunological mechanism regulating inflammation timing and resolution during skin repair.

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

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

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.

Canonical Wnt and TGF-β/BMP signaling enhance melanocyte regeneration but suppress invasiveness, migration, and proliferation of melanoma cells

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and develops from the melanocytes that are responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. The skin is also a highly regenerative organ, harboring a pool of undifferentiated melanocyte stem cells that proliferate and differentiate into mature melanocytes during regenerative processes in the adult. Melanoma and melanocyte regeneration share remarkable cellular features, including activation of cell proliferation and migration. Yet, melanoma considerably differs from the regenerating melanocytes with respect to abnormal proliferation, invasive growth, and metastasis. Thus, it is likely that at the cellular level, melanoma resembles early stages of melanocyte regeneration with increased proliferation but separates from the later melanocyte regeneration stages due to reduced proliferation and enhanced differentiation. Here, by exploiting the zebrafish melanocytes that can efficiently regenerate and be induced to undergo malignant melanoma, we unravel the transcriptome profiles of the regenerating melanocytes during early and late regeneration and the melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. Our global comparison of the gene expression profiles of melanocyte regeneration and nevi/melanoma uncovers the opposite regulation of a substantial number of genes related to Wnt signaling and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/(bone morphogenetic protein) BMP signaling pathways between regeneration and cancer. Functional activation of canonical Wnt or TGF-β/BMP pathways during melanocyte regeneration promoted melanocyte regeneration but potently suppressed the invasiveness, migration, and proliferation of human melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the opposite regulation of signaling mechanisms between melanocyte regeneration and melanoma can be exploited to stop tumor growth and develop new anti-cancer therapies.