Polysaccharide-Based Formulations for the Treatment of Diabetic Wounds: A Review

Abstract

This article highlights recent progress in the development of polysaccharide-based formulations for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Wound healing is generally slower in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic individuals, which can be complicated into cellulitis, gangrene and foot abscess. Here, the influence of diabetes on the wound healing process and the potential effects of polysaccharide-based formulations on wounds associated with diabetes mellitus are described. Polysaccharides are excellent candidates for effective skin repair due to the characteristics of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. Common polysaccharides employed in the development of diabetic wound care include cellulose, hyaluronic acid, and alginate. In addition, novel polysaccharides for diabetic wound care have been extracted from natural materials used for traditional medicine, such as Ganoderma lucidum, Periplaneta americana, and psyllium seed husk. Several strategies have been adopted, including crosslinking, grafting, quaternation, nanoformulation, and polymeric composites, to improve the physicochemical and mechanical attributes of polysaccharide-based formulations. These properties are crucial to the wound healing process by facilitating wound closure via accelerated re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis, as well as maintaining an optimal moist environment while minimizing the risk of infection and scar formation. The roles of stimuli-responsive polymers, controlled-release formulations, and bioactive polysaccharides in facilitating diabetic wound healing are also discussed.