Search Results (2,149)

Background: Persistent inflammation and excessive neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation hinder the healing of bacteria-infected diabetic wounds. The Salvia miltiorrhiza–Astragalus membranaceus herb pair possesses anti-inflammatory activity, but its poor solubility, rapid metabolic clearance, and unclear material basis limit direct wound application. Extracellular vesicles (DH-EVs) isolated from this herb pair may improve local delivery and stability. Therefore, this work constructs a DH-EV-incorporated hydrogel dressing aimed at inhibiting NET formation and facilitating diabetic wound healing. Methods: DH-EVs were isolated from the Salvia miltiorrhiza–Astragalus membranaceus pair, characterized by lipidomics and small-RNA sequencing, and incorporated into a hydrogel. The dressing was evaluated for physicochemical properties, mechanical performance, biocompatibility, NET inhibition, anti-inflammatory activity, and therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in bacteria-infected diabetic wounds. Results: DH-EVs were isolated, and sequencing identified miRNAs potentially regulating inflammation- and NET-related pathways. Incorporation into hydrogel did not significantly alter mechanical integrity or biocompatibility. In vitro and in vivo, the DH-EV-loaded hydrogel suppressed excessive NET formation, reduced local inflammation, and improved wound closure and tissue regeneration in bacteria-infected diabetic wounds. Conclusions: The DH-EV-loaded hydrogel promotes bacteria-infected diabetic wound repair by suppressing excessive NET formation and inflammation, providing a promising strategy for localized wound treatment. Full article

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers have emerged as versatile materials in biomedical science due to the high surface-to-volume ratio enabled by nanofibrous morphologies, together with their biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, low toxicity, water solubility, and ease of chemical modification. Solution blow spinning (SBS) provides an alternative route for producing PVA-based nanofibers and is particularly relevant for PVA because the polymer is commonly processed from aqueous solutions. This review critically examines the fabrication of PVA nanofibers by SBS within the broader framework established for PVA hydrogels and electrospun PVA nanofibers, emphasizing how aqueous processing conditions govern fiber formation and morphology and how these features translate into mechanical performance and functional behavior tailored to biomedical applications. Applications in wound dressings, drug-delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and biosensors are discussed, highlighting the role of the fillers/additives in modulating biological responses and drug release behavior. Key challenges remain, including water sensitivity and PVA solubility, crosslinking approaches compatible with bioactive payloads, and limitations in mechanical robustness for certain load-bearing applications. Finally, future perspectives on scale-up and eco-friendly PVA nanofibers are outlined to support translation of SBS-derived PVA nanofibers toward clinical applications. Overall, this work positions SBS as a promising route to complement established nanofiber fabrication methods and support the sustainable integration of PVA nanofibers into next-generation biomedical solutions, while providing broader insights into the processing of aqueous polymer systems by SBS. Full article

Biomaterials intended for wound healing are expected to reduce microbial load while supporting tissue repair in complex wound environments. Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted interest because plant extracts can provide phytochemicals that mediate nanoparticle reduction, capping, and stabilization. This review critically evaluates recent studies on plant-mediated AgNPs for wound-healing applications, focusing on botanical and extraction variables, synthesis conditions, physicochemical properties, formulation strategies, administered exposure, safety, and biological outcomes. Across the 34 included publications, 14 directly assessed a process-to-property relationship and only two assessed a process-to-performance relationship; none directly assessed a property-to-performance relationship or established a complete process-to-property-to-performance chain. The reviewed studies suggest that plant-mediated AgNPs may reduce microbial burden, modulate inflammation, mitigate oxidative stress, and promote cell migration, re-epithelialization, collagen remodeling, and angiogenesis. However, batch-to-batch variability, incomplete reporting of experimental details, over-reliance on ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy for optimization, inadequate evaluation of formulation stability, inconsistent dose reporting, and limited molecular validation of proposed mechanisms remain major factors limiting translation. By evaluating plant-mediated AgNP-based wound-healing systems through a process–property–performance framework, this review summarizes recent advances and highlights key considerations for improving reproducibility, comparability, and translational relevance. Full article

The high cost of conventional carbon sources has limited the widespread application of bacterial cellulose (BC). In this study, tobacco stem waste extract (TWE) was evaluated as an alternative substrate for BC production via fermentation with Gluconacetobacter xylinus, and a silver-loaded composite (BC-Ag) was further developed for potential wound dressing applications. Medium optimization with the addition of citric acid and (NH₄)₂SO₄ effectively alleviated salt stress and acid inhibition inherent to TWE, achieving a BC yield of 2.40 ± 0.12 g/L while preserving a native cellulose I crystalline structure and three-dimensional nanofibrous network. The resulting TWE-BC exhibited enhanced mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength: 0.67 MPa; Young’s modulus: 1.56 MPa) and improved thermal stability (glass transition temperature: 58.5 °C). The BC-Ag composite, fabricated via in situ chemical reduction, contained 8.84 wt% silver and demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, along with favorable sustained-release behavior. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed good biocompatibility, with cell viability exceeding 70% at extract concentrations of 12.5–50%. In a rat infected-wound model, the BC-Ag dressing effectively eradicated local infection and significantly accelerated wound healing compared to commercial medical gauze, pure BC, and silver-loaded gauze controls. Collectively, this work presents a sustainable and potentially cost-effective strategy for valorizing tobacco waste into a high-value BC-based wound dressing material. Full article

Advanced wound dressings should actively promote tissue repair while preventing microbial infection and excessive inflammation. In this study, multifunctional electrospun nanofibers composed of poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/gelatin were developed by incorporating green-synthesized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), Acacia gum, and Hypericum perforatum extract (HPE). Biological activity and safety were evaluated using disk-diffusion antimicrobial testing, MTT cell viability assays, nitric oxide measurement in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, an L929 fibroblast scratch assay, and Ames and comet assays. The optimized nanofibers exhibited a uniform morphology with an average fiber diameter of approximately 400 nm and high encapsulation efficiencies (86–96%). MSN incorporation significantly prolonged hypericin release, producing a biphasic release profile with approximately 1.4-fold slower release than nanofibers without MSNs, while increasing Young’s modulus from 2.1 to 2.5 MPa. The hybrid nanofibers demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans, achieving approximately 70% of the efficacy of standard antimicrobial agents. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, the optimized formulation reduced nitric oxide production by approximately 51%, comparable to indomethacin and L-NAME. Although fibroblast migration was not significantly enhanced, the nanofibers exhibited acceptable cytocompatibility and showed no mutagenic or genotoxic effects in Ames and comet assays. These findings demonstrate that green-synthesized MSN-enhanced herbal nanofibers represent a safe and promising platform for sustained drug delivery and advanced wound-healing applications. Full article

This work evaluates agarose (AG)- and chitosan (CS)-based hydrogels incorporating a dexamethasone–cyclodextrin complex (Dex) as potential bioink candidates for wound healing applications. For this purpose, biopolymer hydrogels were formulated and tested to determine their structure, morphology, and rheological behavior under different strain, frequency, and temperature conditions, as well as their swelling behavior, surface functionality, protein adhesion capability, and antibacterial activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an interconnected membrane-like porous structure in the agarose/chitosan (BAC) hydrogels, which also showed a fibril-like microstructure when Dex was added. X-ray diffraction showed that these structures had a semicrystalline nature, with a main broad peak from approximately 15 to 20°. Rheological tests confirmed the viscoelastic behavior of the developed hydrogels. Chitosan incorporation reduced the rigidity of the formulations, whereas dexamethasone did not significantly affect the viscoelastic response of the BAC hydrogel. Additionally, the temperature sweep showed that Dex did not substantially alter the viscoelastic response of the BAC hydrogel while reducing mass loss after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline and not significantly affecting the swelling behavior. Further, Coomassie blue staining tests demonstrated favorable protein interaction with the BAC-based hydrogels, indicating that Dex incorporation did not compromise their adsorption capacity. Regarding their antibacterial activity, the hydrogels showed no major effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in disk diffusion tests. However, liquid diffusion tests showed almost no bacterial growth for hydrogels incorporating CS. Thus, the present results demonstrate the potential of the BAC hydrogel system for biomedical and cosmetic applications. Full article

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bacterial infection were the important obstacles to impaired wound healing. Herein, by the use of innate bioactivities of natural polysaccharides and flavonoid glycosides, a multifunctional hydrogel was engineered through the Schiff base reaction between oxidized fucoidan (oFu) and lysine-modified chitosan (CS-Ly) for wound dressing. Rutin and silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-modified polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles were incorporated into the hydrogel matrix, thereby exhibiting favorable ROS scavenging ability and adhesive property. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with antibacterial rates of 81.8% and 78.2%, respectively. Moreover, the dynamic crosslinking endowed the hydrogel with adjustable degradation behavior and self-healing ability. When cocultured with NIH-3T3 cells, the hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility. Based on the above results, these multifunctional hydrogels with excellent performance have great appealing potential in clinical materials for wound healing. Full article

Conformability of advanced dressings is a key parameter to evaluate their ability to adapt to the complex shape of the wound, which promotes its healing and prevents the formation of gaps at the wound interface, which, in turn, may favour microbial proliferation. However, conformability is normally measured by evaluating the mechanical properties of dressings and frequently under dry conditions, failing to evaluate the behaviour in clinical conditions, where the wound is normally characterized by large volumes of exudate. New methods are under study for its evaluation, but they generally require complex experimental procedures or specialized equipment. Here, we validate a simple and inexpensive method proposed for conformability characterization by testing its application to a variety of dressings, differing in composition and type of absorbing layer. We test the impact of different volumes of exudate-simulating solution and the impact of dressing size on the results. In addition, we implement the test by simultaneously evaluating other parameters (time of absorption, lateral spreading of the solution) that impact wound healing. Finally, we validate the test by demonstrating its capability to predict adaptability of complex wound shapes in specifically developed wound-mimicking models. Our results show that the test can be applied to all tested dressings, successfully highlighting differences in conformability and demonstrating high reproducibility. We demonstrate that conformability can largely vary between different dressings but is not affected by either dressing size or exudate volume, whereas lateral spreading and time of absorption can be significantly affected by both parameters. Finally, we demonstrate that the tests succeed in predicting adaptability to wounds of complex shape in tissue models; hence it is suitable for a simple and cost-effective measure of conformability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Second-degree burns require strategies that address microbial contamination, oxidative stress, exudate, and tissue repair. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a marine-derived chitosan hydrogel incorporating ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) from Chihuahua, Mexico, for second-degree burn management. Methods: EEP was characterized using parameters established in NOM-003-SAG/GAN-2017 and complementary biological assays. Chitosan hydrogels containing 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/w) EEP were evaluated for physicochemical properties, swelling, mass loss, flavonoid release, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial performance, and cell viability. The 1% EEP hydrogel was further evaluated in a murine second-degree burn model. Results: Chihuahua propolis exhibited high phenolic (27.42 ± 2.53%) and flavonoid (9.23 ± 0.314%) contents. EEP incorporation modified the chitosan matrix, providing high swelling capacity, increased structural persistence, sustained flavonoid release for 72 h, and radical-scavenging activity for 96 h. Antimicrobial activity was concentration-dependent, with the 5% EEP hydrogel reducing recoverable Escherichia coli counts below the detection limit (<10² CFU/mL). However, EEP-containing hydrogels reduced NIH-3T3 viability below the 70% ISO 10993-5 threshold under static extraction conditions. At 144 h, the 1% EEP hydrogel produced greater wound contraction than silver sulfadiazine (p = 0.021), although it did not differ significantly from the propolis-free chitosan hydrogel or untreated control. Qualitative histological assessment showed features consistent with early tissue repair, with cutaneous appendages observed in several sections from the 1% EEP group. Conclusions: Chihuahua propolis-loaded chitosan hydrogels showed promising physico-chemical, release, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and short-term in vivo findings. The in vitro reduction in metabolic activity observed under static extraction conditions warrants further evaluation using physiologically relevant exposure models, extended follow-up, and comprehensive safety assessment. Full article

Whilst early debridement and autologous skin grafting remain the cornerstones of treatment for deep burns, there has been a shift towards a more selective and regenerative medicine-oriented approach in the topical management of burn wounds. The most critical issue is whether the wound can achieve epithelialization within approximately 2 to 3 weeks. This timeframe is of clinical significance due to the strong association between delayed epithelialization and hypertrophic scarring, which can result in contractures and functional impairment. However, given that the likelihood of epithelialization is influenced by factors such as the mechanism of injury, anatomical location and skin thickness at that site, age, and blood flow, its prediction remains incomplete and relies heavily on experience. The second challenge is to remove necrotic tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible, thereby creating a wound bed with an adequately controlled microbial burden. Excessive excision should be avoided. The cytotoxic effects of several topical antimicrobial agents can inhibit the migration of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other cells, as well as damaging the extracellular matrix. In order to address these issues, a range of methods are employed, including enzymatic debridement. The third challenge pertains to the reconstruction of the dermis in full-thickness burns, and the role of dermal and matrix-based materials is expanding. In addition to conventional artificial dermis, acellular fish skin matrices, synthetic biodegradable temporary matrices, and recombinant biomaterials are now being used. These materials can be regarded not solely as wound dressings, but also as instruments for preserving or re-establishing a biologically functional dermal matrix prior to epithelialization. Once these conditions are achieved, autologous skin cell suspension or cultured epidermal autografting may become appropriate options in selected wounds. This Perspective proposes a framework for precision-oriented local burn wound care structured around four sequential but iterative objectives. Full article

Zeolites are crystalline microporous aluminosilicates whose tunable porosity, ion-exchange capacity, surface charge, and chemical robustness make them versatile materials at the biointerface. This review surveys three converging domains of zeolite biomedicine. First, haemostasis and wound healing, where water adsorption and Ca²⁺ release drive procoagulant activity, from the QuikClot generation to strategies that mitigate the exothermic response and to flexible zeolite–textile dressings. Second, the separation, immobilization, and sensing of biomolecules, where external surface area, hierarchical porosity, and surface chemistry—rather than intracrystalline sieving alone—govern the interaction with proteins and nucleic acids in complex matrices. Third, the emerging design of zeolite-based theranostic platforms integrating drug delivery, imaging, and stimuli-responsive therapy, enabled by the transition from bulk crystals to surface-engineered nanozeolites. Across all three domains, a single lesson recurs: the biological behaviour of zeolites is governed by the external surface rather than by molecular sieving, and the chemical integrity of the framework under working conditions is a design parameter that is reported only sporadically. We further show that the theranostic literature reaching in vivo validation is dominated by zeolite-like imidazolate frameworks, whereas the evidence for aluminosilicate zeolites remains largely in vitro—the gap that most urgently needs closing. The successes of ZIFs should therefore be read as structural inspiration for zeolite design rather than as direct evidence for aluminosilicate clinical translation. Full article

Background: Chronic ulcers are a major healthcare challenge due to their prolonged course, recurrence, persistent microbial colonization, and impaired tissue repair. This study developed sodium alginate–collagen hydrogel dressings reinforced with cotton fabric and functionalized with green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) to combine exudate absorption with localized antibacterial activity. Methods: CuO NPs were synthesized using gallic acid and orange peel extract and evaluated for cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Sodium alginate–collagen dressings containing different glycerin concentrations were assessed for swelling capacity, morphology, structural stability, and tensile performance. The formulation showing the best overall physicochemical and mechanical performance was selected for CuO NP functionalization and antibacterial evaluation by agar diffusion. Results: The selected 50GS-NPs-CuO formulation showed an IC50 of 79.9 µg/mL. At 70 µg/mL, CuO NPs produced significant time-dependent reductions in bacterial viability, reaching 96.6% for S. aureus and 91.44% for E. coli after 72 h. The dressing containing 2% sodium alginate, 0.5% collagen, and 2.5% glycerin exhibited the highest swelling capacity (476.82 ± 3.80%) and tensile strength (148.7 ± 5.5 N). CuO-functionalized dressings showed concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with consistently greater inhibition against S. aureus than E. coli. Conclusions: The developed dressing integrates high fluid absorption, mechanical stability, and localized antibacterial activity, providing a promising platform for advanced chronic-wound management. Full article

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are among the most severe complications of diabetes, resulting from a combination of metabolic dysregulation, vascular insufficiency, neuropathy, chronic inflammation, and impaired tissue repair, whereas diabetic foot infection (DFI) may develop within this compromised wound environment and frequently involves polymicrobial communities and biofilms. This review evaluates the mechanistic and translational basis for the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in DFU and DFI, with emphasis on the diabetic wound microenvironment, polymicrobial ecology, endogenous AMP dysregulation, mechanisms of action, therapeutic development, and barriers to clinical translation. Hyperglycemia, ischemia, oxidative and proteolytic stress, and impaired innate immunity sustain inflammation, delay tissue repair, and promote microbial persistence. These conditions may also complicate antibiotic treatment through impaired tissue exposure and biofilm-associated tolerance. Depending on the peptide and experimental context, AMP may provide direct antimicrobial or antibiofilm activity and may also exert immunomodulatory or pro-reparative effects involving inflammatory signaling, angiogenesis, keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, and re-epithelialization. Approaches under investigation include engineered peptides, combination regimens, and local biomaterial-based platforms, including hydrogels, dressings, scaffolds, and nanoparticle-conjugated systems. Clinical translation remains constrained by proteolytic instability, potential host-tissue toxicity, limited selectivity, limited predictive value of preclinical models, heterogeneous clinical populations, nonstandardized endpoints, and manufacturing and regulatory requirements. Preclinical evidence supports further evaluation of approaches for local delivery of AMP, whereas clinical evidence in DFU and DFI remains limited and heterogeneous, with no AMP-based intervention yet demonstrating sufficiently consistent clinical benefit to support routine use. Full article

The escalating production of fetal bovine serum generates substantial quantities of fetal bovine hide as an underutilized byproduct. In this study, we extracted collagen from this source, characterized it as predominantly type I collagen with intact triple-helical features, and fabricated a series of composite sponge dressings by blending it with chitosan. The best-balanced formulation (COL₁/CS₁, 1:1 ratio) exhibited markedly superior physicochemical properties relative to pure collagen sponges, as evidenced by higher porosity (91.3%), water uptake (2010%), moisture retention (23.7%), and water vapor transmission rate (4169.02 ± 86.45 g/m²/day). We hypothesize that the intrinsically lower cross-linking density of fetal collagen may expose a greater abundance of carboxyl and hydroxyl moieties, thereby fostering electrostatic complexation and hydrogen bonding with chitosan’s amino groups. This molecular interplay appears to promote the genesis of a highly uniform, interconnective porous network. In vitro, the COL₁/CS₁ sponge elicited a hemolysis rate below 5%, a blood coagulation index as low as 7.02%, no cytotoxicity toward L929 and MRC-5 cells, and a pronounced capacity to stimulate cell proliferation and wound repopulation. In a murine full-thickness excisional wound model, the COL₁/CS₁ group achieved a 98.1% closure rate by day 14, significantly outpacing both the pure collagen and untreated controls. Histological examinations corroborated these findings, revealing accelerated granulation tissue deposition, robust neovascularization, and orderly collagen remodeling, with no overt toxicity observed in vital organs under the tested conditions. This work presents a viable valorization pathway for an agricultural byproduct into high-value biomedical constructs and provides insights into how source-dependent collagen attributes may influence the functional performance of biomaterials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) remain a major clinical challenge due to the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated pathogens. Conventional antibiotics are often limited by reduced efficacy, recurrent infections, and disruption of the resident skin microbiota. Consequently, bacteriocins have emerged as promising alternative or adjunctive antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin and wound infections. Methods: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Experimental in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies investigating bacteriocins in skin and wound infection models were analyzed, with a focus on antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm efficacy, activity against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and formulation strategies designed to improve therapeutic performance. Results: Available evidence demonstrates that numerous bacteriocins exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against clinically relevant skin-associated pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). Several bacteriocins also showed significant antibiofilm properties and synergistic interactions with conventional antibiotics, resulting in enhanced bacterial eradication and reduced risk of resistance development. Experimental infection models further support their therapeutic potential in wound-associated infections. Additionally, advanced delivery platforms, including hydrogels, wound dressings, nanofibers, and lipid-based nanoparticles, improved peptide stability, sustained release, and local antimicrobial efficacy. Conclusions: Bacteriocins are promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of skin and wound infections due to their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, low propensity for resistance development, and suitability for topical administration. However, further studies addressing formulation optimization, safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation are required before bacteriocin-based therapies can enter routine clinical practice. Full article