Postoperative wound healing has been extensively studied and well-documented. Gelatin sponges are commonly used in surgeries for blood absorption. If these sponges can also release drugs with anti-scarring and anti-inflammatory effects, they would significantly enhance wound healing. In this study, we investigated for the first time the application of curcumin films on the surface of gelatin sponges with high hemostatic efficiency using the Electron Beam Deposition (EBD) method. The structure of curcumin was analyzed using 1H NMR, FT-IR and XPS techniques. We examined the influence of the film on the sponge's absorption capacity and the impact of the sponge on drug release kinetics. Results showed that the presence of the curcumin film did not compromise the sponge's hemostatic ability. Additionally, compared to a flat substrate, the curcumin film on this highly porous substrate facilitated better curcumin release. Further experiments, including cytotoxicity tests, live/dead double staining, western blotting, and a scar model in mice, demonstrated that gelatin sponges with curcumin films exhibit a synergistic effect, combining anti-scarring, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic properties.

The alarming rise in bacterial infections including those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens has garnered the attention of the scientific community, compelling them to explore as novel and effective alternatives to combat these infections. Moreover, the emerging viruses such as Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 (A/H1N1), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Ebolavirus, recent coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), etc. also has a significant impact all over the world. Therefore, the management of all such infections without any side effects is one of the most important challenges for the scientific community. Hence, the development of novel and effective antimicrobial agents is a need of the hour. In this context, Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has been used as traditional medicine for centuries to manage and treat such infections. Its bioactive constituent, curcumin has garnered significant attention in medicine due to its multifunctional bioactivities. Apart from antimicrobial properties, it also possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, available reports suggest that its low solubility, stability, and biocompatibility limit its use. Moreover, on the other hand, it has been reported that these limitations associated with the use of curcumin can be resolved by transforming it into its nano-form, specifically curcumin nanoparticles. Recent advancements have brought curcumin nanoparticles into the spotlight, showcasing superior properties and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial applications. In this review, we have mainly focused on antimicrobial potential of curcumin and nanocurcumin, mechanisms underpinning their antimicrobial actions. Moreover, other aspects of toxicity and safety guidelines for nano-based products have been also discussed.

With recent advances in the field of tissue engineering, composite films with biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, and wound healing properties have gained potential applications in the field of wound dressings. In this research work, composite films of soy protein (S)/oxidized tragacanth gum (G) were successfully made using the solution casting process. The metal-organic framework containing curcumin (MOF) with concentrations of 5 and 10 wt% and tannic acid (TA) with concentrations of 6 and 12 wt% were entered into the polymer film. Surface morphology with scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), thermal stability, mechanical properties, chemical structure, antioxidant, water absorption, cell viability, antibacterial activity, and biodegradability of the prepared films were investigated in laboratory conditions. In addition, the toxicity of the films in the cell environment was investigated, and the results showed that cell growth and proliferation improved in the presence of the prepared films, especially films SG/MOF10/TA6 and SG/MOF10/TA12 due to the presence of TA and MOF containing curcumin. Also, the antibacterial activity of the films showed that the presence of tannic acid and curcumin in the structure of the films increases their ability against pathogens. According to the obtained results, the newly produced nanocomposite film (SG/MOF10/TA12) has a high potential to be used for wound dressing due to its favorable characteristics and was considered the optimal film.

Burn wounds are associated with infections, drug resistance, allergic reactions, odour, bleeding, excess exudates, and scars, requiring prolonged hospital stay. It is crucial to develop wound dressings that can effectively combat allergic reactions and drug resistance, inhibit infections, and absorb excess exudates to accelerate wound healing. To overcome the above-mentioned problems associated with burn wounds, SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers incorporated with Capparis sepiaria plant extract were prepared using an electrospinning technique. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of the extract into the nanofibers without any interaction between the extract and the polymers. The nanofibers displayed porous morphology and a rough surface suitable for cellular adhesion and proliferation. SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against wound infection-associated bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobaterium smegmatis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, and Staphylococcus aureus. Cytocompatibility studies using HaCaT cells revealed the non-toxicity of the nanofibers. SA/PVA/PLGA/Capparis sepiaria and SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofibers exhibited hemostatic properties, resulting from the synergistic effect of the plant extract and polymers. The in vitro scratch wound healing assay showed that the SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofiber wound-healing capability is more than the plant extract and a commercially available wound dressing. The wound-healing potential of SA/PVA/Capparis sepiaria nanofiber is attributed to the synergistic effect of the phytochemicals present in the extract, their porosity, and the ECM-mimicking structure of the nanofibers. The findings suggest that the electrospun nanofibers loaded with Capparis sepiaria extract are promising wound dressings that should be explored for burn wounds.

Curcumin (CUR) exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. However, its poor solubility and bioavailability limit its therapeutic applications. Several CUR nano-formulations have been developed to enhance its solubility and uptake, thereby improving its anti-cancer activity. Despite this, studies comparing the effect of enhanced CUR solubility versus cellular uptake on its anti-cancer efficacy are lacking. Therefore, CUR nanofibers (CUR NF) were synthesized by electrospinning using a water-soluble polymer to enhance CUR solubility. While CUR nanoparticles (CUR NP) were synthesized by nanoprecipitation method using a water-insoluble polymer to enhance CUR cellular uptake. Both nano-formulations aim to improve CUR cellular concentration and anti-cancer activity against various cancer cells. CUR NF and CUR NP were successfully synthesized at drug load (DL%) of 10 %, 20 %, and 40 % w/w. Both nano-formulations were characterized, and CUR dissolution, release, cytotoxicity, IC50, and cellular uptake were assessed. A gradual increase in NF diameter and NP size was observed as the drug load% increased compared to the placebo. NF showed a rapid CUR release and increased solubility by 16-38 fold. In contrast, NP sustained CUR release and resulted in only a 2-fold increase in solubility. Both formulations significantly reduced cell viability and IC50 compared to free CUR. However, CUR NP demonstrated higher cell toxicity (70-80 %) than CUR NF (60 %) and reduced IC50 up to 4 μM compared to 11 μM for NF. Enhancing CUR solubility or uptake can significantly increase its cellular concentration and anti-cancer activity. However, enhancing CUR cellular uptake by NP demonstrated superior anti-cancer effect compared to enhancing its solubility by NF.

Non-invasive medical nanofiber technology, characterized by its high specific surface area, biocompatibility, and porosity, holds significant potential in various medical domains, including tissue repair and biosensing. It is increasingly becoming central to healthcare by offering safer and more efficient treatment options for contemporary medicine. Numerous studies have explored non-invasive medical nanofibers in recent years, yet a comprehensive overview of the field remains lacking. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the applications of electrospun nanofibers in non-invasive medical fields, considering multiple aspects and perspectives. Initially, we introduce electrospinning nanofibers. Subsequently, we detail their applications in non-invasive health, including health monitoring, personal protection, thermal regulation, and wound care, highlighting their critical role in improving human health. Lastly, this paper discusses the current challenges associated with electrospun nanofibers and offers insights into potential future development trajectories.

In this study, we employed a combination of electrospinning and electrospray techniques to fabricate wound dressings with a particle-fiber structure, providing dual characteristics of oxygen-releasing and intrinsic antioxidant properties, simultaneously. The electrospun part of the dressing was prepared from a blend of polycaprolactone/gallic acid-grafted-gelatin (GA-g-GE), enabling intrinsic ROS scavenging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that PCL/GA-g-GE was fabricated by electrospinning. Furthermore, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) microparticles, containing calcium peroxide nanoparticles (CNPs), were considered as the oxygen production agent through the electrospray part. The CNP content was 1% and 3% w/w of PVP while biopolymer:PCL was 10% w/w. The fabricated structures were characterized in terms of fiber/particle morphology, elemental analysis, oxygen release behavior, ROS inhibition capacity, and water contact angle assessments. The covalent bonding of gallic acid to gelatin was confirmed by 1H-NMR, UV spectroscopy, and FTIR. According to the SEM results, the morphology of the prepared PCL/biopolymer fibers was bead-free and with a uniform average diameter. The analysis of released oxygen showed that by increasing the weight percentage of CNPs from 1 to 3 wt%, the amount of released oxygen increased from 120 mmHg to 195 mmHg in 24 h, which remained almost constant until 72 h. The obtained DPPH assay results revealed that the introduction of GA-g-GE into the fibrous structure could significantly improve the antioxidant properties of wound dressing compared to the control group without CNPs and modified gelatine. In vitro, the fabricated wound dressings were evaluated in terms of biocompatibility and the potential of the dressing to protect human dermal fibroblasts under oxidative stress and hypoxia conditions by an MTT assay. The presence of GA-g-GE led to remarkable protection of the cells against oxidative stress and hypoxia conditions. In vivo studies revealed that the incorporation of intrinsic ROS inhibition and oxygen-releasing properties could significantly accelerate the wound closure rate during the experimental period (7, 14, and 21 days). Additionally, histopathological investigations in terms of H&E and Masson's trichrome staining showed that the incorporation of the two mentioned capabilities remarkably facilitated the wound-healing process.

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.

Burn wounds (BWs) cause impairment of native skin tissue and may cause significant microbial infections that demand immediate care. Curcumin (Cur) and quercetin (Que) exhibit antimicrobial, hemocompatibility, ROS-scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its instability, water insolubility, and low biological fluid absorption render it challenging to sustain local Cur and Que doses at the wound site. Therefore, to combat these limitations, we employed blow-spinning and freeze-drying to develop a multi-layered, Cur/Que-loaded gelatin/chitosan/PCL (GCP-Q/C) nanofibroporous (NFP) matrix. Morphological analysis of the NFP-matrix using SEM revealed a well-formed multi-layered structure. The FTIR and XRD plots demonstrated dual-bioactive incorporation and scaffold polymer interaction. Additionally, the GCP-Q/C matrix displayed high porosity (82.7 ± 2.07 %), adequate pore size (∼121 μm), enhanced water-uptake ability (∼675 % within 24 h), and satisfactory biodegradation. The scaffolds with bioactives had a long-term release, increased antioxidant activity, and were more effective against gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria than the unloaded scaffolds. The in vitro findings of GCP-Q/C scaffolds showed promoted L929 cell growth and hemocompatibility. Additionally, an in vivo full-thickness BW investigation found that an implanted GCP-Q/C matrix stimulates rapid recuperation and tissue regeneration. In accordance with the findings, the Gel/Ch/PCL-Que/Cur NFP-matrix could represent an effective wound-healing dressing for BWs.

Wound healing has been a challenge in the medical field. Tremendous research has been carried out to expedite wound healing by fabricating various formulations, some of which are now commercially available. However, owing to their natural source, people have been attracted to advanced formulations with herbal components. Among various herbs, curcumin has been the center of attraction from ancient times for its healing properties due to its multiple therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective, and radioprotective properties. However, curcumin has a low water solubility and rapidly degrades into inactive metabolites, which limits its therapeutic efficacy. Henceforth, a carrier system is needed to carry curcumin, guard it against degradation, and keep its bioavailability and effectiveness. Different formulations with curcumin have been synthesized, and exist in the form of various synthetic and natural materials, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds, films, fibers, and nanoemulgels, improving its bioavailability dramatically. This review discusses the advances in different types of curcumin-based formulations used in wound healing in recent times, concentrating on its mechanisms of action and discussing the updates on its application at several stages of the wound healing process. Impact statement Curcumin is a herbal compound extracted from turmeric root and has been used since time immemorial for its health benefits including wound healing. In clinical formulations, curcumin shows low bioavailability, which mainly stems from the way it is delivered in the body. Henceforth, a carrier system is needed to carry curcumin, guard it against degradation, while maintaining its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This review offers an overview of the advanced technological interventions through tissue engineering approaches to efficiently utilize curcumin in different types of wound healing applications.

Electrostatic spinning as a technique for producing nanoscale fibers has recently attracted increasing attention due to its simplicity, versatility, and loadability. Nanofibers prepared by electrostatic spinning have been widely studied, especially in biomedical applications, because of their high specific surface area, high porosity, easy size control, and easy surface functionalization. Wound healing is a highly complex and dynamic process that is a crucial step in the body's healing process to recover from tissue injury or other forms of damage. Single-component nanofibers are more or less limited in terms of structural properties and do not fully satisfy various needs of the materials. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the literature on the use of electrostatically spun nanofibers to promote wound healing, to overview the infinite possibilities for researchers to tap into their biomedical applications through functional composite modification of nanofibers for advanced and multifunctional materials, and to propose directions and perspectives for future research.

Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) are pathological structures resulting from chronic inflammation during the wound healing process, particularly in complex injuries like burns. The aim of this work is to propose Biofiber PF (biodegradable fiber loaded with Pirfenidone 1.5 w/w), an electrospun advanced dressing, as a solution for HTSs treatment in complex wounds. Biofiber has a 3-day antifibrotic action to modulate the fibrotic process and enhance physiological healing. Its electrospun structure consists of regular well-interconnected Poly-L-lactide-co-poly-ε-caprolactone (PLA-PCL) fibers (size 2.83 ± 0.46 µm) loaded with Pirfenidone (PF, 1.5% w/w), an antifibrotic agent. The textured matrix promotes the exudate balance through mild hydrophobic wettability behavior (109.3 ± 2.3°), and an appropriate equilibrium between the absorbency % (610.2 ± 171.54%) and the moisture vapor transmission rate (0.027 ± 0.036 g/min). Through its finer mechanical properties, Biofiber PF is conformable to the wound area, promoting movement and tissue oxygenation. These features also enhance the excellent elongation (>500%) and tenacity, both in dry and wet conditions. The ancillary antifibrotic action of PF on hypertrophic scar fibroblast (HSF) for 3 days downregulates the cell proliferation over time and modulates the gene expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) at 48-72 h. After 6 days of treatment, a decrement of α-SMA protein levels was detected, proving the potential of biofiber as a valid therapeutic treatment for HTSs in an established wound healing process.

Biocompatible fibrous scaffold containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 70S30C bioactive glass (BG), silver (Ag) nanoparticles and curcumin (Cur) was fabricated through electrospinning method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were employed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the scaffolds. In addition, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and contact angle were studied as criteria for evaluating physical properties of the scaffolds. Tensile strength was reported to be 0.971 ± 0.093 MPa. Also, the viability of fibroblasts after 7 days of cell culture was 93.58 ± 1.36 %. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was illustrated using inhibition zones of 13.12 ± 0.69 and 14.21 ± 1.37 mm, respectively. Histological results revealed that tissue regeneration after 14 days of surgery was much higher for the dressing group compared to the blank group. According to the obtained results, the authors introduce the PVA-BG-Ag-Cur scaffold as a promising candidate for skin tissue engineering applications.

Scar formation is a common physiological process that occurs after injury, but in some cases, pathological scars can develop, leading to serious physiological and psychological effects. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective means to intervene in scar formation, and the structural features of scars and their unclear mechanisms make prevention and treatment even more challenging. However, the emergence of nanotechnology in drug delivery systems offers a promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of scars. Nanomaterials possess unique properties that make them well suited for addressing issues related to transdermal drug delivery, drug solubility, and controlled release. Herein, we summarize the recent progress made in the use of nanotechnology for the prevention and treatment of scars. We examine the mechanisms involved and the advantages offered by various types of nanomaterials. We also highlight the outstanding challenges and questions that need to be addressed to maximize the potential of nanotechnology in scar intervention. Overall, with further development, nanotechnology could significantly improve the prevention and treatment of pathological scars, providing a brighter outlook for those affected by this condition.

Despite numerous advantages, curcumin's (CUR) low solubility and low bioavailability limit its employment as a free drug. CUR-incorporated nanoformulation enhances the bioavailability and angiogenesis, collagen deposition, fibroblast proliferation, reepithelization, collagen synthesis, neovascularization, and granulation tissue formation in different wounds. Designing nanoformulations with controlled-release properties ensure the presence of CUR in the defective area during treatment. Different nanoformulations encompassing nanofibers, nanoparticles (NPs), nanospray, nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, nanoliposome, nanovesicle, and nanomicelle were described in the present study comprehensively. Moreover, for some other systems which contain nano-CUR or CUR nanoformulations, including some nanofibers, films, composites, scaffolds, gel, and hydrogels seems the CUR-loaded NPs incorporation has better control of the sustained release, and thereby, the presence of CUR until the final stages of wound healing is more possible. Incorporating CUR-loaded chitosan NPs into nanofiber increased the release time, while 80% of CUR was released during 240 h (10 days). Therefore, this system can guarantee the presence of CUR during the entire healing period. Furthermore, porous structures such as sponges, aerogels, some hydrogels, and scaffolds disclosed promising performance. These architectures with interconnected pores can mimic the native extracellular matrix, thereby facilitating attachment and infiltration of cells at the wound site, besides maintaining a free flow of nutrients and oxygen within the three-dimensional structure essential for rapid and proper wound healing, as well as enhancing mechanical strength.

Nanofiber scaffolds have emerged as a revolutionary drug delivery platform for promoting wound healing, due to their unique properties, including high surface area, interconnected porosity, excellent breathability, and moisture absorption, as well as their spatial structure which mimics the extracellular matrix. However, the use of nanofibers to achieve controlled drug loading and release still presents many challenges, with ongoing research still exploring how to load drugs onto nanofiber scaffolds without loss of activity and how to control their release in a specific spatiotemporal manner. This comprehensive study systematically reviews the applications and recent advances related to drug-laden nanofiber scaffolds for skin-wound management. First, we introduce commonly used methods for nanofiber preparation, including electrostatic spinning, sol-gel, molecular self-assembly, thermally induced phase separation, and 3D-printing techniques. Next, we summarize the polymers used in the preparation of nanofibers and drug delivery methods utilizing nanofiber scaffolds. We then review the application of drug-loaded nanofiber scaffolds for wound healing, considering the different stages of wound healing in which the drug acts. Finally, we briefly describe stimulus-responsive drug delivery schemes for nanofiber scaffolds, as well as other exciting drug delivery systems.

Tissue engineering is a sophisticated field that involves the integration of various disciplines, such as clinical medicine, material science, and life science, to repair or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. To achieve the successful regeneration of damaged or diseased tissues, it is necessary to fabricate biomimetic scaffolds that provide structural support to the surrounding cells and tissues. Fibrous scaffolds loaded with therapeutic agents have shown considerable potential in tissue engineering. In this comprehensive review, we examine various methods for fabricating bioactive molecule-loaded fibrous scaffolds, including preparation methods for fibrous scaffolds and drug-loading techniques. Additionally, we delved into the recent biomedical applications of these scaffolds, such as tissue regeneration, inhibition of tumor recurrence, and immunomodulation. The aim of this review is to discuss the latest research trends in fibrous scaffold manufacturing methods, materials, drug-loading methods with parameter information, and therapeutic applications with the goal of contributing to the development of new technologies or improvements to existing ones.

The development of new biomaterials from natural fibres in the field of biomedicine have attracted great interest in recent years. One of the most studied fibres has been silk fibroin produced by the Bombyx mori worm, due to its excellent mechanical properties and its biodegradability and bioavailability. Among the different biomaterials that can be prepared from silk fibroin, hydrogels have attracted considerable attention due to their potential use in different fields, such as scaffolding, cell therapy and biomedical application. Hydrogels are essentially a three-dimensional network of flexible polymer chains that absorb considerable amounts of water and can be loaded with drugs and/or cells inside to be used in a wide variety of applications. Here we present a simple sonication process for the preparation of curcumin-hyaluronic acid-silk fibroin hydrogels. Different grades of hydrogels were prepared by controlling the relative amounts of their components. The hydrogels were physically and morphologically characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and their biological activity was tested in terms of cell viability in a fibroblast cell line.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer whose properties have been intensively studied, especially for biomedical applications. Since BC has no antimicrobial activity, it is necessary to use bioactive substances for developing wound healing applications. Another drawback of BC is the loss if its water retention capacity after dehydration. In order to overcome these problems, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and turmeric extract (TE) were selected for the preparation of BC composites. Citric acid (CA) was used as the crosslinking agent. These composites were tested as potential antimicrobial wound dressing materials. TE-loaded BC-CMC composites were characterized in terms of their morphology, crystallinity, and thermal behavior. Swelling tests and curcumin-release kinetic analysis were also performed. All the composites tested had high swelling degrees, which is an advantage for the exudate adsorption from chronic wounds. The antibacterial potential of such composites was tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans). The in vitro cytotoxicity toward L929 fibroblast cells was studied as well. The obtained results allow us to recommend these composites as good candidates for wound dressing applications.

The purpose of this study was to prepare an antibacterial, antioxidant, and biocompatible bilayer nanofibrous wound dressing by using electrospinning.

The micromorphology and bilayer structure characteristics of the GA-Qe-PVP-PCL nanofibers were analyzed by SEM. The physicochemical characteristics were analyzed by XRD and FTIR. The uptake, mechanical properties, water contact angle, water vapor transmission and in vitro drug release were evaluated. In addition, the effect of antibacterial, antioxidant and biocompatability of the nanofibers were evaluated, respectively.

The SEM results showed that the GA-Qe-PVP-PCL nanofibers had a smooth surface, no beading phenomenon, and a prominent bilayer structure. The diameter and porosity of the drug-loading layer and waterproof support layer of the nanofibers were 842 ± 302 nm, 242 ± 50 nm, and 88.56 ± 1.67%, 94.49 ± 1.57%, respectively. Moreover, the water uptake, mechanical properties, water contact angle, and water vapor transmission showed ideal performance. The results of in vitro drug release indicated that GA and Qe were both released rapidly, which was conducive to accelerating wound healing. The GA-Qe-PVP-PCL nanofibers exhibited antibacterial effects against both bacteria as well as high antioxidant activity. Additionally, the GA-Qe-PVP-PCL nanofibers possessed good compatibility, could promote the proliferation, adhesion, and migration of L929 fibroblast cells.

The nanofibers we developed met the requirements of ideal materials for wound dressing, which makes the nanofibers the potential to be a wound dressing for wound care.

In this research we focused on the fabrication of an asymmetric bilayer membrane with core-shell/simple layer configuration providing the functions of needed hierarchically hydrophilicity and porosity, anti-infectious, tissue adhesion as well as degradation and integration with tissue, cells proliferation, and enhanced promotion of tissue regeneration. The bilayer membrane composed of collagen (Col), chitosan (CS), aloe vera (AV) and gelatin (Gel), not only simulates the features of the epidermis and dermis layer of a natural skin but also benefits from the materials necessary for the regeneration of injured skin tissue during the healing process. The results of full-thickness skin wound evaluation revealed that the fabricated asymmetric membrane could facilitate wound healing within 10 days mainly through enhancing cellular activities, enhancing collagen deposition, and promoting proliferation. Results of histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry after 10 days of treatment, demonstrated more re-epithelialization and collagen density for the treated groups compared to the control group.

Wound healing is a complicated process, and the effective management of wounds is a major challenge. Natural herbal remedies have now become fundamental for the management of skin disorders and the treatment of skin infections due to the side effects of modern medicine and lower price for herbal products. The aim of the present study is to summarize the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on major herbal preparations, their phytochemical constituents, and new formulations for wound management. Research reveals that several herbal medicaments have marked activity in the management of wounds and that this activity is ascribed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals can act at different stages of the process by means of various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulating, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. The application of natural compounds using nanotechnology systems may provide significant improvement in the efficacy of wound treatments. Increasing the clinical use of these therapies would require safety assessment in clinical trials.

In modern clinical applications, wound healing remains a considerable challenge. Excessive inflammatory response is associated with delayed wound healing. In this study, we prepared composite nanofibrous membranes by mixing the Chinese herbal extract puerarin (PUE) with natural silk protein (SF) and synthetic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using electrostatic spinning technique, and conducted a series of studies on the structural and biological properties of the fibrous membranes. The results showed that the loading of PUE increased the diameter, porosity and hydrophilicity of nanofibers, which were more favorable for cell adhesion and proliferation. ABTS radical scavenging assay also showed that the loading of PUE enhanced the antioxidant properties of the fibrous membranes. In addition, SF/PVP/PUE nanofibers are non-toxic and can be used as wound dressings. In vitro experiments showed that SF/PVP/PUE nanofibers could effectively alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in Immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells and down-regulate pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in cells. In vivo studies further showed that the SF/PVP/PUE nanofibers could effectively accelerate wound repair. The mechanism is that SF/PVP/PUE nanofibers can inhibit the activation and transduction of toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor88/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathways, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and achieving wound healing.

Tissue regeneration is an auto-healing mechanism, initiating immediately following tissue damage to restore normal tissue structure and function. This falls in line with survival instinct being the most dominant instinct for any living organism. Nevertheless, the process is slow and not feasible in all tissues, which led to the emergence of tissue engineering (TE). TE aims at replacing damaged tissues with new ones. To do so, either new tissue is being cultured in vitro and then implanted, or stimulants are implanted into the target site to enhance endogenous tissue formation. Whichever approach is used, a matrix is used to support tissue growth, known as 'scaffold'. In this review, an overall look at scaffolds fabrication is discussed, starting with design considerations and different biomaterials used. Following, highlights of conventional and advanced fabrication techniques are attentively presented. The future of scaffolds in TE is ever promising, with the likes of nanotechnology being investigated for scaffold integration. The constant evolvement of organoids and biofluidics with the eventual inclusion of organ-on-a-chip in TE has shown a promising prospect of what the technology might lead to. Perhaps the closest technology to market is 4D scaffolds following the successful implementation of 4D printing in other fields.

In recent years, the incidence of infected wounds is steadily increasing, and so is the clinical as well as economic interest in effective therapies. These combine reduction of pathogen load in the wound with general wound management to facilitate the healing process. The success of current therapies is challenged by harsh conditions in the wound microenvironment, chronicity, and biofilm formation, thus impeding adequate concentrations of active antimicrobials at the site of infection. Inadequate dosing accuracy of systemically and topically applied antibiotics is prone to promote development of antibiotic resistance, while in the case of antiseptics, cytotoxicity is a major problem. Advanced drug delivery systems have the potential to enable the tailor-made application of antimicrobials to the side of action, resulting in an effective treatment with negligible side effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of treatment options for the therapy of infected wounds. In this context, a special focus is set on delivery systems for antimicrobials ranging from semi-solid and liquid formulations over wound dressings to more advanced carriers such as nano-sized particulate systems, vesicular systems, electrospun fibers, and microneedles, which are discussed regarding their potential for effective therapy of wound infections. Further, established and novel models and analytical techniques for preclinical testing are introduced and a future perspective is provided.

Advancements in technology and material development in recent years has led to significant breakthroughs in the remit of fiber engineering. Conventional methods such as wet spinning, melt spinning, phase separation and template synthesis have been reported to develop fibrous structures for an array of applications. However, these methods have limitations with respect to processing conditions (e.g. high processing temperatures, shear stresses) and production (e.g. non-continuous fibers). The materials that can be processed using these methods are also limited, deterring their use in practical applications. Producing fibrous structures on a nanometer scale, in sync with the advancements in nanotechnology is another challenge met by these conventional methods. In this review we aim to present a brief overview of conventional methods of fiber fabrication and focus on the emerging fiber engineering techniques namely electrospinning, centrifugal spinning and pressurised gyration. This review will discuss the fundamental principles and factors governing each fabrication method and converge on the applications of the resulting spun fibers; specifically, in the drug delivery remit and in regenerative medicine.

Despite the antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin (C), its effect on wound healing, especially in the colorectal, is ambiguous. Moreover, due to the hydrophobic properties of C, its use is limited. Therefore, to reduce the bioavailability challenge and improve the transfer to colon area, we designed a C-alginate-based nano-micelle (C-A-NM). After fabrication of C-A-NM (55.5 nm) and physicochemical studies with the TEM, DLS and XRD, the C release rate based on gastrointestinal state was evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of C-A-NM on the survival of HCT-8 cells at 24 and 48 hours by MTT method and its antibacterial effects were also evaluated. To explain the effects of wound healing in rats, in addition to colonoscopy on the 14th-day, the repaired tissue on the 7th and 14th days were examined by Hematoxylin and Eosin method. Also, for evaluating wound healing in the colon, the protein/collagen concentration, and TGFβ1/NFκB gene expression were determined. The results of C cumulative release showed that the NM allows the drug to be loaded in the colon in a favourable manner. Also, the toxicity outputs revealed that C-A-NM at a concentration of 7.5 mg had no negative effects on cell viability. While the activity of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, bacteria decreased based on the minimum inhibitory concentration value with 153, 245 and 319 (μg/mL). The use of C-A-NM not only increases protein and collagen in damaged sites, but also increases TGFβ1 expression in contrast to NFκB. Based on these results, and the results of histopathology and colonoscopy, it was found that C-A-NM accelerates the healing of damaged areas. Overall, the results show that the use of C-A-NM can significantly accelerate the healing of wounds in the gastrointestinal tract based on collagen induction and reduced bacterial activity.

The goal of this research was to evaluate the beneficial effects of topical curcumin loaded freeze-dried wafers in wound healing. Curcumin wafers were fabricated by cross-linking of chitosan with beta glycerophosphate under magnetic stirring. Composite wafers were prepared by the addition of sodium hyaluronate. Wafers were fabricated by freeze-drying technique. The resulted wafers were examined by naked eye and their dimensions were measured using a caliper. % Drug content, in-vitro release and % water uptake tests were conducted to characterize the fabricated wafers. Porosity testing, compressive mechanical behavior, morphological examination using scanning electron microscopy, thermal behavior using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were all carried out on the optimized cross-linked wafers followed by their microbiological assays and cytotoxicity studies. The results showed that the optimized wafers possessed high water uptake capabilities while entertaining very high porosity levels (86-89%). Microbiological assay revealed the superiority of the selected curcumin wafers versus free curcumin in bacterial growth inhibition against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. The anti-inflammatory effects of the selected curcumin wafers were evaluated against pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results suggested that they were significantly better than free curcumin in lowering cytokines levels. To conclude, the obtained findings revealed that curcumin wafers offered a promising solution in the field of wound healing.

Every year, millions of people develop scars due to skin injuries after trauma, surgery, or skin burns. From the beginning of wound healing development, scar hyperplasia, and prolonged healing time in wound healing have been severe problems. Based on the difference between adult and fetal wound healing processes, many promising therapies have been developed to decrease scar formation in skin wounds. Currently, there is no good or reliable therapy to cure or prevent scar formation. This work briefly reviews the engineering methods of scarless wound healing, focusing on regenerative biomaterials and different cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular components in regenerative wound healing to minimize skin damage cell types, and scar formation.