Search Results (77)

Over the past years, with the growing interest in sustainable biomaterials, marine collagen has been emerging as an interesting alternative to bovine collagen. It is more easily absorbed by the body and has higher bioavailability. In this study, collagen was extracted from Dicentrarchus labrax (sea bass) skin, a fishery by-product, thus valorizing waste streams while reducing environmental impact. To overcome the intrinsic weak mechanical of collagen, it was combined with chitosan to produce composite scaffolds for skin tissue engineering. The incorporation of collagen proved crucial for scaffold performance: (i) it promoted the formation of an open-pore architecture, favorable for cell infiltration and proliferation; (ii) it enhanced swelling behavior suitable for exudate absorption and maintenance of a moist wound environment; (iii) by tuning the chitosan/collagen ratio, it enabled us to control the degradation rate; (iv) it conferred antioxidant properties; and (iv) by adjusting collagen/chitosan concentrations, it allowed fine-tuning of mechanical properties, ensuring sufficient strength to resist stresses encountered during wound healing. In vitro assays demonstrated that the scaffolds were non-cytotoxic and effectively supported mouse adipose tissue fibroblasts’ adhesion and proliferation. Finally, all formulations exhibited marked bactericidal activity against the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with a Log reduction greater than 3 (a reduction of at least 99.9% in bacterial growth) compared to the control. Collectively, these findings highlight collagen not only as a sustainable resource but also as a functional component that drives the structural, physicochemical, biological, and antimicrobial performance of chitosan/collagen scaffolds for skin tissue engineering. Full article

Acne vulgaris is a chronic disease that occurs in the pilosebaceous units and ranks eighth in the global prevalence of all diseases. In its severe forms such as pustules, cysts, and nodules, acne can lead to permanent scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which are often difficult to reverse in the short term and significantly affect patients’ psychological well-being and social interactions. Although a variety of pharmacological treatments are available, including retinoids, antibiotics, anti-androgens, benzoyl peroxide, and corticosteroids, the high recurrence rate and limited efficacy in scar prevention highlight the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Electrospinning technology has recently gained attention for fabricating nanofibrous patches with high porosity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. These patches can offer antibacterial activity, absorb exudates, and provide mechanical protection, making them promising platforms for acne wound care. This review first outlines the pathophysiology of acne and the biological mechanisms underlying scar formation. We then present an overview of electrospinning techniques, commonly used polymers, and recent advancements in the field. Finally, we explore the potential of electrospun nanofibers loaded with mesenchymal stem cells or exosomes as next-generation therapeutic systems aimed at promoting scarless acne healing. Full article

The application of conductive polymers in wound dressings presents great potential for accelerated wound healing since their high electrical conductivity and biocompatibility facilitate the delivery of external electrical stimuli to cells and tissues, promoting cell differentiation and proliferation. Electrospinning is a very straightforward method for the preparation of polymeric wound dressings capable of mimicking the extracellular matrix of skin, promoting hemostasis, absorbing wound exudate, allowing atmospheric oxygen permeation and maintaining an appropriately moist environment. In this work, in situ chemically polymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was achieved through hyaluronic acid-doping. The synthesized PEDOT was used for the production of conductive and biodegradable chitosan (CS)/gelatin (GEL)/PEDOT electrospun meshes. Additionally, the randomly aligned meshes were crosslinked with a 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether and their physicochemical and mechanical properties were investigated. The results show that the incorporation of a conductive polymer led to an increase in conductivity of the solution, density and fiber diameter that influenced porosity, water uptake, and dissolvability and biodegradability of the meshes, while maintaining appropriate water vapor permeation values. Due to their intrinsic similarity to the extracellular matrix and cell-binding sequences, CS/GEL/PEDOT electrospun nanofibrous meshes show potential as conductive nanofibrous structures for electrostimulated wound dressings in skin tissue engineering applications. Full article

Infection control and bleeding management in deep wounds remain urgent and unmet clinical challenges that demand innovative, multifunctional, and sustainable solutions. Unlike previously reported sodium alginate and silk fibroin-based gel formulations, the present work introduces a dual-functional system combining antimicrobial and haemostatic activity in the form of conformable aerogel beads. This dual-functional formulation is designed to absorb exudate, promote clotting, and provide localized antimicrobial action, all essential for accelerating wound repair in high-risk scenarios within a single biocompatible system. Aerogel beads were obtained by supercritical drying of a silk fibroin–sodium alginate blend, resulting in highly porous, spherical structures measuring 3–4 mm in diameter. The formulations demonstrated efficient ciprofloxacin encapsulation (42.75–49.05%) and sustained drug release for up to 12 h. Fluid absorption reached up to four times their weight in simulated wound fluid and was accompanied by significantly enhanced blood clotting, outperforming a commercial haemostatic dressing. These findings highlight the potential of silk-based aerogel beads as a multifunctional wound healing platform that combines localized antimicrobial delivery, efficient fluid and exudate management, biodegradability, and superior haemostatic performance in a single formulation. This work also shows for the first time how the prilling encapsulation technique with supercritical drying is able to successfully produce silk fibroin and sodium alginate composite aerogel beads. Full article

An ancient repertoire of ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing pigments which survive today in the phylogenetically oldest extant photosynthetic organisms, the cyanobacteria, point to a direction in evolutionary adaptation of the pigments and their associated biota; from largely UV-C absorbing pigments in the Archean to pigments covering ever more of the longer wavelength UV and visible regions in the Phanerozoic. Since photoprotection is not dependent on absorption, such a scenario could imply selection of photon dissipation rather than photoprotection over the evolutionary history of life, consistent with the thermodynamic dissipation theory of the origin and evolution of life which suggests that the most important hallmark of biological evolution has been the covering of Earth’s surface with organic pigment molecules and water to absorb and dissipate ever more completely the prevailing surface solar spectrum. In this article we compare a set of photophysical, photochemical, biosynthetic, and other inherent properties of the two dominant classes of cyanobacterial UV-absorbing pigments, the mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and scytonemins. We show that the many anomalies and paradoxes related to these biological pigments, for example, their exudation into the environment, spectral coverage of the entire high-energy part of surface solar spectrum, their little or null photoprotective effect, their origination at UV-C wavelengths and then spreading to cover the prevailing Earth surface solar spectrum, can be better understood once photodissipation, and not photosynthesis or photoprotection, is considered as being the important variable optimized by nature. Full article

Background/Objectives: Foam dressings are designed for their ability to manage exudate and are selected to optimize wound repair. Various foam dressings are available, ranging from basic polyurethane to more sophisticated options, incorporating active components to combat infections or foster healing. This study investigates the requirements for the most suitable foam dressing through a combination of field research, laboratory testing, and clinical evaluation. Methods: We tested 17 foam dressings commonly used by wound care professionals while attending an international conference. An effective foam dressing should absorb wound fluid for several days, as wound care professionals value absorption and retention capacity, often favoring less frequent changing dressings, preferably twice a week or even weekly. Results: The foam dressings tested can absorb the expected amount of exudate typically produced by different wound types. There is some variability in retention capacity and product prices, resulting in differences in cost-effectiveness among products. In addition, some dressings are enriched with active ingredients that can accelerate healing through their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, such as foam dressings infused with silver or honey. A honey-based foam dressing was evaluated in a clinical survey involving eight wound care specialists, and four clinical cases with varying wound pathologies were discussed in more detail to highlight its key properties. Conclusions: Ideally, a foam dressing should have adequate absorption and retention capacities, effectively resolve and prevent infections, protect against external trauma, ensure optimal patient comfort without damaging newly formed granulation tissue, accelerate wound healing processes, and reduce wound care time (e.g., remaining in place for 7 days). Together, these factors make honey- or silver-loaded foam dressings more cost-effective than plain dressings due to their antimicrobial activities and ability to nourish tissues. Full article

Background: The skin acts as a barrier against external threats, and moisture is crucial for effective wound healing, as it promotes epithelial cell migration. Thus, a high water content supports wound healing by maintaining moisture, absorbing exudate, and forming a protective barrier. Here, we created three different micro-patterned hydrogels and tested them on rat skin wounds. Materials and Methods: Three different micro-patterned (waves, lines, and checks) hydrogel patches were created using three-dimensional polymer networks. On SD rat skin, wounds were created by making incisions, and the hydrogel patches were applied. The rats were divided into three experimental groups based on the hydrogel micro-patterns. Rats without hydrogel (vehicle) and those with flat hydrogel (no shape) were considered as controls. The wound closure rate (WCR) was calculated, and the expression of Col1A protein was measured by western blot. Results: After 7 days, the WCR was significantly higher in the groups treated with micro-patterned hydrogel patches compared to the vehicle and no-shape groups. Specifically, the WCR was highest in the checks micro-patterned hydrogel group compared to the waves and lines micro-patterned hydrogel groups. Furthermore, Col1A protein expression was evaluated at days 7 and 14, revealing a significant increase in expression after 14 days in the checks micro-patterned hydrogel group compared to the waves and lines micro-patterned hydrogel groups. Conclusions: The checks micro-patterned hydrogel patches demonstrated superior wound healing efficacy, as indicated by a higher WCR and increased Col1A protein expression after 14 days. These findings highlight the importance of hydrogel pattern design in improving wound healing suggesting that optimized micro-patterns can enhance therapeutic outcomes in skin wound management. Full article

In this study, a hydrogel material based on porcine gelatin and sodium alginate was synthesized for use as a dressing for chronic wound treatment. The hydrogels were covalently cross-linked using polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE 500), and the interaction between the components was confirmed via FTIR. The properties of the resulting hydrogels were examined, including gel-fraction volume, swelling degree in different media, mechanical properties, pore size, cytotoxicity, and the ability to absorb and release analgesics (lidocaine, novocaine, sodium diclofenac). The hydrogel’s resistance to enzymatic action by protease was enhanced both through chemical cross-linking and physical interactions between gelatin and alginate. The absorption capacity of the hydrogels, reaching 90 g per dm² of the hydrogel dressing, indicates their potential for absorbing wound exudates. It was demonstrated that the antiseptic (chlorhexidine) contained in the structured gelatin–alginate hydrogels can be released into an infected substrate, resulting in a significant inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus niger). These results clearly demonstrate that the obtained hydrogel materials can serve as non-traumatic dressings for the treatment of chronic and/or infected wounds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hydrocolloid dressings are commonly used in the treatment of chronic wounds by forming a gel-like protective layer upon the dispersion of water, absorbing exudate, and creating a moist environment that promotes healing. However, the use of hydrocolloids has expanded outside of wound care, and this review summarizes the evidence for their use within dermatology. Methods: To perform this narrative review, several databases were searched for manuscripts that described the use of hydrocolloid dressings within dermatology. Results: The hydrophilic and colloidal dispersion properties of hydrocolloid dressings facilitate the formation of an absorptive, hydrating, and protective layer. In addition, the viscous layer supports innate immunity by activating immune cells such as granulocytes and monocytes, making them effective in wound care. Hydrocolloid dressings appear to be an effective treatment in acute wounds, with the potential of reduced healing time and easier application compared to traditional dressings. The majority of the related research suggests that hydrocolloid dressings and standard dressings have similar efficacy in healing pressure ulcers, and the prevention of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Early reports suggest that hydrocolloid dressings have a role in the treatment of facial dermatitis and acne vulgaris. Conclusions: Hydrocolloid dressings have been studied most extensively for chronic wounds and then for use in acute wounds. There have been a few studies on their use for treating acne, facial atopic dermatitis, and hypertrophic scarring. While more clinical studies are needed, there appears to be early evidence of hydrocolloid dressing use within dermatology. Full article

Recent advancements in wound dressing materials have significantly improved acute and chronic wound management by addressing challenges such as infection control, moisture balance, and enhanced healing. Important progress has been made, especially with hydrogels, foams, and antimicrobial materials for creating optimized dressings. Hydrogels are known for maintaining optimal moisture levels, while foam dressings are excellent exudate absorbents. Meanwhile, antimicrobial dressing incorporates various antimicrobial agents to reduce infection risks. These dressing options reduce wound healing time while focusing on customized patient needs. Therefore, this review highlights the newest research materials and prototypes for wound healing applications, emphasizing their particular benefits and clinical importance. Innovations such as stimuli-responsive hydrogels and hybrid bioengineered composites are discussed in relation to their enhanced properties, including responsiveness to pH, temperature, glucose, or enzymes and drug delivery precision. Moreover, ongoing clinical trials have been included, demonstrating the potential of emerging solutions to be soon translated from the laboratory to clinical settings. By discussing interdisciplinary approaches that integrate advanced materials, nanotechnology, and biological insights, this work provides a contemporary framework for patient-centric, efficient wound care strategies. Full article

Absorption of exudates is crucial for moist wound treatment, particularly in chronic wound care applications. However, controlling wound exudates with current gel-based wound dressings has challenges, such as the risk of bacterial infection during long-term transportation and use. In this study, a bacterial cellulose (BC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite hydrogel (PBC) was prepared by a simple method using citric acid (CA) as the crosslinking agent. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the reaction between the carboxyl group of CA and the hydroxyl group of the BC-PVA hydrogel enhanced its hydrophilicity. Sol–gel analysis confirmed that an increase in the PVA content led to stronger crosslinking of the polymer network in the hydrogel. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction results showed that at low PVA concentrations, the tendency to connect with cellulose chains and crystallinity increased. In addition, the hydrogel dressing demonstrated excellent water absorption capacity; the swelling rate reached 3485.3% within one hour, and no cytotoxic effect was observed on the L929 fibroblast line in vitro. The designed hydrogel exhibited the ability to resist bacteria. Therefore, the new PBC biomaterial has certain potential for various applications, particularly as a highly absorbent dressing. Full article

Coumarins are natural products commonly found in plants and are typical allelopathic substances that strongly affect the growth of plants after being exudated from the root and help plants absorb Fe in cases of iron deficiency. Although coumarins have been found to have multiple effects, this understanding is still relatively limited. Here, we show that coumarin significantly promotes the elongation of the hypocotyl by enhancing cell elongation. Further research has found that coumarin increases the content of BR in plants by enhancing the expression of brassinosteroid (BR) synthesis genes. The effect of coumarin on promoting hypocotyl elongation is completely blocked by the mutation of the BR synthesis gene DEETIOLATED 2 (DET2) or the co-addition of the BR synthesis inhibitor brassinazole (BRZ). Genetic analysis using Arabidopsis mutants showed that coumarin promoting hypocotyl elongation depends on the signaling pathway of the BRs. Overall, coumarin promotes elongation of the hypocotyl by increasing the synthesis of BRs in plants. These results provide us with new insights into the role of coumarins and offer strong theoretical support for the mechanisms of interactions between plants. Full article

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. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate cinnamaldehyde (CN) and clove oil (CO) effectiveness in inhibiting growth and killing spoilage and total aerobic bacteria when overlaid with catfish fillet stored at 4 °C. A 1.00 mL concentration of CO inhibited growth by 2.90, 1.96, and 1.96 cm, respectively, for S. baltica, A. hydrophilia, and total bacteria. Similarly, treatment with 1.00 mL of CN resulted in ZIB of 2.17, 2.10, and 1.10 cm, respectively, for S. baltica, A. hydrophilia, and total bacteria from catfish exudates. Total bacteria from catfish exudates treated with 0.50 mL CN for 40 min, resulted in a 6.84 log decrease, and treatment with 1.00 mL resulted in a 5.66 log decrease at 40 min. Total bacteria exudates treated with 0.50 mL CO resulted in a 9.69 log reduction at 40 min. Total bacteria treated with 1.00 mL CO resulted in a 7.69 log decrease at 7 days, while untreated pads overlaid with catfish resulted in ≥9.00 CFU/mL. However, treated absorbent pads with catfish at 7 days, using 0.50 mL and 1.00 mL CN, had a bacterial recovery of 5.53 and 1.88 log CFU/mL, respectively. Furthermore, CO at 0.50 mL and 1.00 mL reduced the bacteria count to 5.21 and 1.53 log CFU/mL, respectively, at day 7. Full article

Currently, there are several types of materials for the treatment of wounds, burns, and other topical injuries available on the market. The most used are gauzes and compresses due to their fluid absorption capacity; however, these materials adhere to the surface of the lesions, which can lead to further bleeding and tissue damage upon removal. In the present study, the development of a polymer-based gel that can be applied as a spray provides a new vision in injury protection, respecting the requirements of safety, ease, and quickness of both applicability and removal. The following polymeric sprays were developed to further obtain gels based on different polymers: hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer. The developed sprays revealed suitable properties for use in topical injuries. A protective film was obtained when sprayed on a surface through a casting mechanism. The obtained films adhered to the surface of biological tissue (pig muscle), turning into a gel when the exudate was absorbed, and proved to be washable with saline solution and contribute to the clotting process. Moreover, biocompatibility results showed that all materials were biocompatible, as cell viability was over 90% for all the materials. Full article