Application of Adipose-Tissue Derived Products for Burn Wound Healing

Electrospun Antimicrobial Drug Delivery Systems and Hydrogels Used for Wound Dressings

Wounds and chronic wounds can be caused by bacterial infections and lead to discomfort in patients. To solve this problem, scientists are working to create modern wound dressings with antibacterial additives, mainly because traditional materials cannot meet the general requirements for complex wounds and cannot promote wound healing. This demand is met by material engineering, through which we can create electrospun wound dressings. Electrospun wound dressings, as well as those based on hydrogels with incorporated antibacterial compounds, can meet these requirements. This manuscript reviews recent materials used as wound dressings, discussing their formation, application, and functionalization. The focus is on presenting dressings based on electrospun materials and hydrogels. In contrast, recent advancements in wound care have highlighted the potential of thermoresponsive hydrogels as dynamic and antibacterial wound dressings. These hydrogels contain adaptable polymers that offer targeted drug delivery and show promise in managing various wound types while addressing bacterial infections. In this way, the article is intended to serve as a compendium of knowledge for researchers, medical practitioners, and biomaterials engineers, providing up-to-date information on the state of the art, possibilities of innovative solutions, and potential challenges in the area of materials used in dressings.

Metformin and adipose-derived stem cell combination therapy alleviates radiation-induced skin fibrosis in mice

BACKGROUND

Radiation therapy often leads to late radiation-induced skin fibrosis (RISF), causing movement impairment and discomfort. We conducted a comprehensive study to assess the effectiveness of metformin and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), whether autologous or allogeneic, individually or in combination therapy, in mitigating RISF.

METHODS

Using a female C57BL/6J mouse model subjected to hind limb irradiation as a representative RISF model, we evaluated metformin, ASCs, or their combination in two contexts: prophylactic (started on day 1 post-irradiation) and therapeutic (initiated on day 14 post-irradiation, coinciding with fibrosis symptoms). We measured limb movement, examined skin histology, and analyzed gene expression to assess treatment efficacy.

RESULTS

Prophylactic metformin and ASCs, whether autologous or allogeneic, effectively prevented late fibrosis, with metformin showing promising results. However, combination therapy did not provide additional benefits when used prophylactically. Autologous ASCs, alone or with metformin, proved most effective against late-stage RISF. Prophylactic intervention outperformed late therapy for mitigating radiation skin damage. Co-culture studies revealed that ASCs and metformin downregulated inflammation and fibrotic gene expression in both mouse and human fibroblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests metformin's potential as a prophylactic measure to prevent RISF, and the combination of ASCs and metformin holds promise for late-stage RISF treatment. These findings have clinical implications for improving the quality of life for those affected by radiation-induced skin fibrosis.

Advances in Chronic Wound Management: From Conventional Treatment to Novel Therapies and Biological Dressings

Chronic wounds can be classified as diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, or venous leg ulcers. Chronic wound management has become a threat to clinicians and constitutes a major healthcare burden. The healing process of chronic wounds requires many factors to work in concert to achieve optimal healing. Various treatment options, ranging from hypoxia to infection, have evolved considerably to address the challenges associated with chronic wound healing. The conventional and accelerating treatments for chronic wounds still represent an unmet medical need due to the complex pathophysiology of the chronic wound microenvironment. In clinical settings, traditional chronic wound care practices rely on nonspecific topical treatment, which can reduce pain and alleviate disease progression with varying levels of success but fail to completely cure the wounds. Conventional wound dressings, such as hydrocolloids, gauze, foams, and films, have also shown limited success for the treatment of chronic wounds and only act as a physical barrier and absorb wound exudates. Emerging advances in treatment approaches, including novel therapies (stem cells, microRNAs, and nanocarrier-based delivery systems) and multifunctional biological dressings, have been reported for chronic wound repair. This review summarizes the challenges offered by chronic wounds and discusses recent advancements in chronic wound treatment.