Search Results (135)

Burn injuries are complex and require effective wound management strategies. Traditional treatments, such as dermal templates, are limited by simplified extracellular matrix (ECM) composition (e.g., collagen-elastin or collagen-glycosaminoglycan), sheet-based formats, and frequent use of animal-derived materials. These limitations can reduce wound conformity, biocompatibility, and integration with host tissue. Functional hydrogels are being explored as alternatives due to properties such as high water content, biodegradability, adhesiveness, antimicrobial activity, and support for angiogenesis. Unlike standard templates, hydrogels can adapt to irregular wound shapes as in burn wounds and reach deeper tissue layers, supporting moisture retention, cell migration, and controlled drug delivery. These features may improve the wound environment and support healing in burns of varying severity. This review outlines recent developments in functional hydrogel technologies and compares them to current clinical treatments for burn care. Emphasis is placed on the structural and biological features that influence performance, including material composition, bioactivity, and integration capacity. Through an exploration of key mechanisms of action and clinical applications, this review highlights the benefits and challenges associated with hydrogel technology, providing insights into its future role in burn care. Full article

Anthyllis vulneraria is a traditional medicinal plant with confirmed anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its high polyphenolic content. This study aimed to evaluate the wound-healing potential of A. vulneraria leaf extract in a rat burn model. Four groups of eight Wistar rats each received the following daily topical applications for 14 days: vehicle cream (negative control); silver sulfadiazine (positive control); or plant-based creams containing either 1 mg/cm² or 2 mg/cm² of polyphenols (experimental groups 1 and 2, respectively). On days 7 and 14, four animals per group were euthanized for histological and oxidative stress evaluations. LC-MS/MS analysis of the leaf extract identified hyperoside, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid as major constituents. Experimental group 1 showed significantly enhanced wound closure on days 5 and 7, while group 2 exhibited a significant effect on day 5. All oxidative stress markers, except catalase activity, differed significantly among the groups, with the most favorable results observed in group 2. IL-8 levels decreased after the extract treatment, while no significant microscopic changes were observed. These results indicate that A. vulneraria leaf extract may serve as a valuable adjuvant in burn wound healing. Full article

Background: Wound healing and scar management remain significant challenges in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Recent advances in regenerative medicine have introduced plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) as potential therapeutic agents due to their bioactive properties. This study examines the clinical application of rose stem cell exosomes (RSCEs) in combination with established treatments for managing different types of scars. Methods: A case series of four patients with different scar etiologies (dog bite, hot oil burn, forehead trauma, and facial laser treatment complications) was treated with RSCEs in combination with microneedling (Dermapen 4.0, 0.2–0.4 mm depth) and/or thulium laser therapy (Lutronic Ultra MD, 8–14 J), or as a standalone topical treatment. All cases underwent sequential treatments over periods ranging from two to four months, with comprehensive photographic documentation of the progression. The efficacy was assessed through clinical photography and objective evaluation using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), along with assessment of scar appearance, texture, and coloration. Results: All cases demonstrated progressive improvement throughout the treatment course. The dog bite scar showed significant objective improvement, with a 71% reduction in modified Vancouver Scar Scale score (from 7/13 to 2/13) and a 61% improvement in Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores after four combined treatments. The forehead trauma case exhibited similar outcomes, with a 71% improvement in mVSS score and 55–57% improvement in POSAS scores. The hot oil burn case displayed the most dramatic improvement, with a 78% reduction in mVSS score and over 70% improvement in POSAS scores, resulting in near-complete resolution without visible scarring. The facial laser complication case showed a 75% reduction in mVSS score and ~70% improvement in POSAS scores using only topical exosome application without device-based treatments. Clinical improvements across all cases included reduction in elevation, improved texture, decreased erythema, and better integration with surrounding skin. No adverse effects were reported in any of the cases. Conclusions: This preliminary case series suggests that plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles, specifically rose stem cell exosomes (RSCEs), may enhance scar treatment outcomes when combined with microneedling and laser therapy, or even as a standalone topical treatment. The documented objective improvements, measured by standardized scar assessment scales, along with clinical enhancements in scar appearance, texture, and coloration across different scar etiologies—dog bite, burn, traumatic injury, and iatrogenic laser damage—suggest that this approach may offer a valuable addition to the current armamentarium of scar management strategies. Notably, the successful treatment of laser-induced complications using only topical exosome application demonstrates the versatility and potential of this therapeutic modality. Full article

Background: In burn injuries, wound healing effectiveness is complex and influenced significantly by the local biochemical environment and the physicochemical properties of topical preparations. pH lesions modulation can influence protection barrier integrity, inflammatory responses, and microbial colonization. Their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, of the topical formulations enriched with plant extracts have demonstrated promising results. Objective: The aim of the study was to develop and characterize topical oleogel and hydrogel formulations containing ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of medicinal plants (Boswellia serrata, Ocimum basilicum, Sambucus nigra, and Galium verum), and to evaluate the impact of their physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, in contrast with the wound pH modulation, and healing efficacy in an experimental burn model. Methods: Second-degree burns were induced uniformly on Wistar rats using the validated RAPID-3D device. All formulations were applied daily for 21 days, and wound healing was assessed through several measurements specific to the wound surface, skin temperature, pH, and, last but not least, histological analyses. Formulations’ physicochemical and rheological properties, including pH, viscosity, and spreadability, were also analyzed and systematically characterized. Results: Oleogel formulations demonstrated superior wound healing performance compared to hydrogels. Formulations containing Boswellia serrata and Ocimum basilicum extracts significantly reduced wound size, inflammation, and melanin production by days 9 and 21 (p < 0.05). The beneficial outcomes correlated strongly with formulation acidity (pH < 6), high viscosity, and enhanced thixotropic behavior, indicating improved adherence and sustained bioactive compound release. Histological evaluations confirmed enhanced epithelialization and reduced inflammation. Conclusions: Particularly Boswellia serrata and Ocimum basilicum in oleogel formulations in ethanolic solvent effectively modulated wound pH, enhanced topical adherence, and improved burn wound healing. These findings highlight their potential clinical application and justify further clinical investigations. Full article

Sheep milk is a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant potential in functional foods and biomedical applications. It contains high levels of proteins, peptides, and fatty acids with numerous health-promoting properties for the human body. Key components such as lactoferrin, proline, orotic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) support the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Bioactive peptides from sheep milk regulate blood glucose levels by inhibiting enzymes such as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and α-glucosidase, while conjugated linoleic acid improves lipid metabolism and reduces inflammation. The high-quality proteins in sheep milk are essential for tissue regeneration and maintaining muscle mass, which is particularly beneficial for the elderly and infants who are allergic to cow milk. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in hydrogel dressings enriched with bioactive substances from sheep milk, which support wound healing by supporting collagen synthesis, reducing inflammation, and having antimicrobial properties. Such hydrogels are particularly promising for the treatment of chronic wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers, making them a valuable tool in regenerative medicine. The aim of this manuscript is to review the current reports on bioactive components of sheep milk and their potential for biomedical applications. Full article

The delayed healing and infection risks associated with chronic wounds and burns pose significant clinical challenges. Traditional dressings provide basic coverage but lack the bioactive properties needed for tissue regeneration and antimicrobial protection. In this study, we developed zinc alginate hydrogel-coated traditional wound dressings (WD@AlgZn) and evaluated their physicochemical properties, antimicrobial performance, and in vivo healing efficacy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform coating of the zinc alginate network on dressing fibers, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the successful incorporation of zinc ions. Antimicrobial assays further demonstrated that WD@AlgZn reduced bacterial loads (CFU/mL counts) by several orders of magnitude for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to uncoated controls. An in vivo rat burn wound model exhibited accelerated wound closure when using WD@AlgZn dressings compared to conventional wound care approaches, achieving a 90.75% healing rate by day 21, significantly outperforming the silver sulfadiazine (52.32%), uncoated-dressing (46.58%), and spontaneous-healing (37.25%) groups. Histological analysis confirmed enhanced re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and reduced inflammation in WD@AlgZn-treated tissues. The findings suggest that WD@AlgZn offers a promising alternative for advanced wound management, combining structural robustness with bioactive properties to support efficient wound healing and infection control. These results provide valuable insights into the potential clinical applications of metal-ion cross-linked biopolymeric hydrogel dressings for next-generation wound care strategies. Full article

Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM), primarily composed of collagen and elastin synthesized by dermal fibroblasts, is critical for mesenchymal tissue integrity. Fibroblast phenotypes vary significantly with the anatomical location and developmental stage. Fetal skin, particularly prior to 14 weeks of gestation, exhibits a simplified structure compared to adult skin, characterized by a thin, loose dermal matrix and a single-layered epithelium. Objectives: This study aimed to characterize and functionally compare homogenous progenitor fetal fibroblast (PFF) populations derived from 14-week-old fetal skin with fibroblasts isolated from adult burn patients. Methods: We evaluated the proliferative capacity, collagen synthesis, and differentiation potential (adipogenesis and osteogenesis) of PFF and adult burn patient fibroblasts. Furthermore, we assessed their ability to support skin regeneration using a de-epidermized dermis (DED) model seeded with both PFF and patient-derived keratinocytes. The stability of PFF characteristics was monitored across multiple passages (P5–P12). Results: PFF demonstrated a 2–4-fold increase in proliferation rate and a 30–50% enhancement in collagen production in vitro compared to adult fibroblasts. Notably, PFF exhibited a consistent lack of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, an attribute distinct from adult fibroblasts. In the DED model, PFF, even at a low fibroblast-to-keratinocyte ratio (1:5), effectively facilitated the formation of well-organized skin structures, including rete ridges, surpassing the performance of adult fibroblasts and adipose-derived cells. These properties remained stable over multiple passages. Conclusions: The unique attributes of PFF, likely attributable to the simplified microenvironment (i.e., collagen organization) of developing fetal tissue, positions them as a promising source for cell-based therapies. Their inherent high collagen synthesis capacity is particularly advantageous for wound healing applications. Consequently, PFF represent a consistent and readily available resource for developing “off-the-freezer” cutaneous cell therapies, potentially enabling accelerated and improved treatment of severe burn injuries. Full article

Scar formation and delayed wound healing pose significant challenges in treating skin injuries, especially in severe cases like burns and diabetic wounds. This study investigates the effectiveness of novel Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Gentamicin (Gent) and PVA/Chitosan (CHI)/Gent hydrogels in promoting healing of second-degree burn wounds in a rat model. Following in vitro testing, these hydrogels were deemed non-toxic and suitable for in vivo analysis. Clinical evaluations were conducted on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st post-injury days, assessing parameters such as blistering, edema, redness, crust, bleeding, secretion, scar tissue formation, and wound contraction percentage. Histological analyses focused on re-epithelization and dermal evaluation at specific time points. Results showed that both hydrogels significantly reduced inflammation, particularly redness, by the 14th day and improved re-epithelization, with the PVA/CHI/Gent group outperforming on the 14th day and the PVA/Gent group excelling on the 21st day. Histological findings indicated increased fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition in treated groups, suggesting enhanced dermal healing. The PVA/CHI/Gent hydrogel demonstrated notable antibacterial properties, likely due to the synergistic effects of CHI and Gent, leading to reduced inflammation and edema. Overall, both hydrogels show promise as effective wound dressings, facilitating faster healing and improved tissue recovery in burn injuries. This study supports the use of biomimetic scaffolds for enhanced wound management in clinical practices. Full article

Background: Developing versatile dressings that offer wound protection, maintain a moist environment, and facilitate healing represents an important therapeutic approach for burn patients. Objectives: This study presents the development of new smart pH-sensitive collagen-hydroxyethylcellulose films, incorporating naproxen and phenol red, designed to provide controlled drug release while enabling real-time pH monitoring for burn care. Methods: Biopolymeric films were prepared by the solvent-casting method using ethanol and glycerol as plasticizers. Results: Orange-colored films were thin, flexible, and easily peelable, with uniform, smooth, and nonporous morphology. Tensile strength varied from 0.61 N/mm² to 3.33 N/mm², indicating improved mechanical properties with increasing collagen content, while wetting analysis indicated a hydrophilic surface with contact angle values between 17.61° and 75.51°. Maximum swelling occurred at pH 7.4, ranging from 5.65 g/g to 9.20 g/g and pH 8.5, with values from 4.74 g/g to 7.92 g/g, suggesting effective exudate absorption. In vitro degradation proved structural stability maintenance for at least one day, with more than 40% weight loss. Films presented a biphasic naproxen release profile with more than 75% of the drug released after 24 h, properly managing inflammation and pain on the first-day post-burn. The pH variation mimicking the stages of the healing process demonstrated the color transition from yellow (pH 5.5) to orange (pH 7.4) and finally to bright fuchsia (pH 8.5), enabling easy visual evaluation of the wound environment. Conclusions: New multifunctional films combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions, providing a promising platform for monitoring wound healing, making them suitable for real-time wound assessment. Full article

Compared with acute wounds, typical chronic wounds (infection, burn, and diabetic wounds) are susceptible to bacterial infection and hard to heal. As for the complexity of chronic wounds, biocompatible hydrogel dressings can be employed to regulate the microenvironment and accelerate wound healing with their controllable physical and chemical properties. Recently, various nanomaterials have been introduced into hydrogel networks to prepare functional nanocomposite hydrogels. Among them, carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) have attracted wide attention in the biomedical field due to their outstanding physicochemical properties. However, comprehensive reviews on the use of CBNs for multifunctional hydrogel wound dressings in the past 10 years are very scarce. This review focuses on the research progress on hydrogel dressings made with typical CBNs. Specifically, a series of CBNs (carbon dots, graphene quantum dots, fullerenes, nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) employed in the preparation of hydrogels are described as well as carbon-based nanocomposite hydrogels (CBNHs) with versatility (conductivity, antibacterial, injectable and self-healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, substance delivery, stimulus response and real-time monitoring). Moreover, applications of CBNHs in treating different chronic wounds are concretely discussed. This review may provide some new inspirations for the future development of CBNHs in wound care and tissue engineering. Full article

Burn wounds represent a complex clinical challenge, primarily due to their high susceptibility to infections and the frequent formation of the biofilm, which significantly hinder the healing process. Therefore, effective infection prevention and management are critical components of burn wound care. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging antimicrobial strategies in burn management, with a particular focus on alternative approaches to conventional antiseptics and antibiotics. This manuscript highlights the role of metals and metal-based agents, including silver, zinc oxide, and copper compounds, alongside plant-derived bioactive substances such as aloe vera, marigold, and turmeric. Additionally, the potential of antimicrobial peptides and probiotics as innovative therapeutic options is explored, emphasizing their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-healing properties. Finally, this review presents an analysis of recent patents in the field of burn wound care, offering insights into current trends and future directions in the development of advanced wound dressings. By addressing both established and novel strategies, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and innovators seeking to improve outcomes in burn wound management. Full article

Background: Scald burns pose significant morbidity, and effective topical treatments remain a clinical priority. Burn injuries pose a significant clinical challenge due to the prolonged inflammation and high infection risk. Traditional treatments focus on moisture retention and infection prevention, but biocompatible formulations such as hydrogels and oleogels offer advantages. Hydrogels hydrate, cool, and promote epidermal regeneration, while oleogels form a lipid barrier that enhances the absorption of lipophilic bioactive compounds. There is an increasing demand for novel topical alternatives that can effectively improve wound healing by modulating the inflammatory cascade, accelerating epithelial and dermal regeneration, and restoring barrier function. Objective: This study aimed to determine the most effective plant-based topical formulations for enhancing second-degree scald burn wound healing. Methods: Utilizing a standardized rat model, we compared 21 distinct topical formulations, consisting of oleogel and hydrogel bases enriched with extracts from Boswellia serrata (frankincense), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Sambucus nigra flower (elderflower), and Galium verum (lady’s bedstraw). Second-degree burns were uniformly induced in 24 Wistar rats using boiling water (100 °C for 8 s) using the RAPID-3D device, a validated 3D-printed tool that ensures reproducible burns through controlled exposure to boiling water. Post-burn, rats were divided into three equal subgroups, and topical formulations were applied daily. Wound healing efficacy was evaluated through wound surface area measurements, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, sebum production, pigmentation, inflammation (erythema), skin perfusion, and histological parameters at multiple timepoints (days 1, 4, 9, 14, and 21 post-burn induction). Results: Statistical analyses indicated significant advantages of oleogel-based formulations over hydrogel-based formulations. Specifically, formulations containing Boswellia serrata and Ocimum basilicum extracts significantly reduced wound size and inflammation, improved skin hydration, and decreased melanin production by days 9 and 21 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential clinical value of oleogel-based topical preparations containing specific plant extracts for improving scald burn wound healing outcomes, warranting further clinical evaluation. Full article

Over the past decades, atopic diseases have emerged as a growing global health concern. The Global Report on Atopic Dermatitis 2022 estimated that approximately 223 million people worldwide were living with atopic dermatitis in 2022, with around 43 million being children or adolescents. The financial burden associated with the treatment of this condition poses a significant challenge for both healthcare systems and patients. The current therapeutic approach for atopic diseases primarily focuses on symptomatic management, aiming to mitigate the effects of an overactive immune system. The most widely used treatments include topical or systemic corticosteroids, which suppress inflammation, and emollients, which help restore the skin barrier function. However, prolonged corticosteroid use is associated with adverse effects, including impaired immune response and reduced ability to combat external and internal threats. Consequently, there is a growing interest in developing alternative therapeutic strategies for managing atopic dermatitis. Among these emerging treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) appears particularly promising. HBOT has a beneficial effect on the vascular and immune systems, which results in improved functioning of tissues and organs. This therapy has demonstrated efficacy in promoting wound healing, particularly in conditions such as thermal burns and diabetic foot ulcers. Given these properties, HBOT is being tested as a potential adjunctive therapy for atopic dermatitis and other allergy-related diseases. In this paper, we present the current state of knowledge regarding the application of HBOT in the treatment of atopic and immune-mediated conditions, with a focus on its immunomodulatory and regenerative effects. Full article

The therapeutic potential of natural products has led to the exploitation of phytocomplexes for treating various skin conditions, including wounds. Echinacea angustifolia DC. has traditionally been used for wound healing, burns, and other ailments. In this study, dried roots of E. angustifolia were extracted using a hydroalcoholic solution, and the phytochemical composition was analyzed through HPLC-DAD. The polyphenol and polysaccharide content, along with in vitro antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties, were evaluated. The biological effect of E. angustifolia extract was evaluated on the 3T3-L1 cell line. HPLC-DAD analysis confirmed the presence of several polyphenols, particularly caffeic acid derivatives, with echinacoside as the predominant compound, exhibiting strong antioxidant properties. The extract demonstrated no cytotoxic effect on 3T3-L1 cells, and it showed a protective effect by increasing the migration process in an in vitro scratch wound healing test, together with echinacoside and allantoin, which were used as references. Furthermore, the extract reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and promoted that of proteins that accelerate wound closure, such as TGF-β1. The present study demonstrates the potential wound healing properties and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of E. angustifolia root hydroalcoholic extract, giving a scientific rationale for its traditional use. Full article

When the protective mechanisms of the gastroesophageal mucosa are overwhelmed by injurious factors, the structural and functional mucosal integrity is compromised, resulting in a wide spectrum of disorders. Poliprotect has recently been shown to be non-inferior to standard-dose omeprazole for the treatment of endoscopy-negative patients with heartburn and/or epigastric pain or burning. Here, we provide preclinical data describing the mechanism of action of the Poliprotect formulation, a 100% natural, biodegradable, and environmental friendly medical device according to EU 2017/745 and containing UVCB (unknown or variable composition, complex-reaction products, or biological materials) substances of botanical and mineral origin, according to the REACH and European Chemical Agency definitions. Different in vitro assays demonstrated the capability of Poliprotect to adhere to mucus-secreting gastric cells and concomitantly deliver a local barrier with buffering and antioxidant activity. In studies conducted in accordance with systems biology principles, we evaluated the effects of this barrier on human gastric cells exposed to acidic stress. Biological functions identified via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis highlighted the product’s ability to create a microenvironment that supports the mucosal structural and functional integrity, promotes healing, and restores a balanced mucosal inflammatory status. Additionally, transepithelial electrical resistance and an Ussing chamber showed the product’s capability of preserving the integrity of the gastric and esophageal epithelial barriers when exposed to an acid solution. Two in vivo models of erosive gastropathy further highlighted its topical protection against ethanol- and drug-induced mucosal injury. Overall, our findings sustain the feasibility of a paradigm shift in therapeutics R&D by depicting a very innovative and desirable mode of interaction with the human body based on the emerging biophysical, rather than the pharmacological properties of these therapeutic agents. Full article