Treatment Of Wound Healing Research Articles

Optimizing skin wound healing: The crucial role of the innate immune system and inflammatory microenvironment

Skin, as a part of the innate immune system, represents the first line of defense against pathogens. Each mechanical damage to the skin surface disrupts its homeostasis, thus rapidly inducing the cascade of repair processes. Wound healing comprises 4 subsequent and overlapping steps: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The interplay of the abovementioned phases results in successful cell restoration and tissue repair. The efficiency of wound healing depends on numerous internal and external factors. The proper recruitment of immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, and their interactions with keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix (ECM) accounts for one of the most significant elements affecting this process. Despite the interaction of the immune cells, the development of a highly favorable microenvironment surrounding the damaged area also constitutes a vital component of successful healing. These optimal conditions combined with the inflow of stimuli, such as cytokines and growth factors, lead to complete wound closure and skin surface restoration. Nevertheless, in order to increase the efficiency of wound healing treatment and improve existing technologies, it is essential to gain a deeper understanding of the healing steps’ complexity. In this work, we elucidated basic mechanisms regarding skin injury sealing with a focus on the creation of a highly beneficial inflammatory microenvironment. The presented paper outlines current approaches to managing the excessive inflammation of the skin wound microenvironment to improve the treatment of chronic wounds. The most important perspectives in immunology phase modulation include the use of pharmaceuticals, natural bioactive compounds, immunomodulatory scaffolds, skin substitutes, cell-based therapies, and growth factors or cytokines injections.

Green and facile fabrication of robust calcium alginate sponges via thermally bonded nonwoven induced freeze-drying for dressing applications

Alginate sponges have been widely studied in areas of wound healing, drug release, tissue engineering, and wastewater treatment due to their potential biological activity, biocompatibility, high porosity, and large surface area. However, their poor mechanical properties greatly limit the practical applications of alginate sponge. In this study, a structurally controllable and high-performance sponge material preparation strategy was proposed by optimizing the structure of the freeze-dried calcium alginate (CA) sponge using fluffy and porous thermally bonded nonwovens (NWs). The performance of composite sponges (CA@NWs) prepared at different pre-freezing temperatures and concentrations were tested. The results showed that the NWs skeleton could improve the formation structure and size stability of the freeze-dried CA sponge, making it have good fluid absorption, moisture permeability, moisture retention, and wet state mechanical properties. The RF-1.0-CA@NWs sponge had the highest fluid absorption rate of 1415 %. The wet state RF-1.5-CA@NWs sponge had tensile strengths of 1.913 MPa and 0.465 MPa in the MD and CD directions, respectively, which was about 95 times higher than that of the wet state pure CA sponge.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Wound Healing.

Skin injury is one of the most prevalent lesions in humans, and many such wounds, including deep burns and chronic skin wounds, are notoriously difficult to heal. It has been established by medical practitioners that current wound therapies are not perfectly effective and are far from satisfactory. Meanwhile, nanotechnologies have made it possible to develop pharmaceutical formulations that can elevate the effectiveness of conventional pharmacotherapies to entirely new heights. Most nanostructured biomaterials used to treat wounds, including those that have helped establish this fascinating subject, have been polymeric. The bibliographic analysis presented here shows a steady growth in the research output of studies on the use of polymeric nanoparticles in wound healing therapies. This article provides an overview of polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of wounds with an emphasis on different chemistries and polymer-drug combinations that have been proven the most effective. The wound age, pathophysiology, wound healing treatments of the present and past, as well as the physicochemical nature and methods for the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles, are all covered in the opening parts of the review. The existing polymeric nano-drug delivery systems with the greatest promise for wound healing and skin regeneration are subsequently addressed and their potentials summarized.

Casearia sylvestris var. lingua (Càmbess.) Eichler leaves aqueous extract improves colon inflammation through mucogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in TNBS- induced IBD rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCasearia sylvestris var. lingua (Cambess.) Eichler, a member of the Salicaceae family, holds a prominent place in traditional medicine across various cultures due to its versatile therapeutic properties. Historically, indigenous communities have utilized different parts of the plant, including leaves, bark, and roots, to address a wide array of health conditions. Traditional uses of C. sylvestris var. lingua encompasses the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, wound healing, inflammation, and stomach ulcers. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated the plant's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, gastroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. This signifies the first scientific validation report for C. sylvestris var. lingua regarding its effectiveness against ulcerative colitis. The report aims to affirm the traditional use of this plant through pre-clinical experiments. Aim of the researchThis work uses an aqueous extract from C. sylvestris var. lingua leaves (AECs) to evaluate the acute anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy in rat and HT-29 (human colorectal cancer cell line) models. MethodsTo determine the secondary metabolites of AECs, liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (LC-DAD) study was carried out. 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS, 30 mg/0.25 mL EtOH 30% v/v) was used as an enema to cause acute colitis. Three days were spent giving the C. sylvestris var. lingua extract orally by gavage at dosages of 3, 30, and 300 mg/kg. The same route was used to deliver distilled water to the vehicle and naïve groups. After the animals were sacrificed on the fourth day, intestinal tissues were taken for histological examination and evaluation of biochemical tests such as those measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite/nitrate, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Additionally, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 10 (IL-10), were conducted on the intestinal tissues. Additionally, an MTT assay was used to evaluate the effect of AECs on the viability of HT-29 cells. Additionally, a molecular docking study was carried out to compare some potential target proteins with identified chemicals found in AECs. ResultsLC-DAD analysis identified five compounds (caffeic acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and quercetin) in AECs. Pre-administration of AECs (3; 30; 300 mg/kg) and mesalazine (500 mg/kg) reduced macroscopic scores (55%, 47%, 45%, and 52%, p < 0.001) and ulcerated areas (70.3%, 70.5%, 57%, and 56%, p < 0.001), respectively. It also increased SOD, GSH, and CAT activities (p < 0.01), while decreasing MDA (p < 0.001), nitrite/nitrate (p < 0.05), and MPO (p < 0.001) activities compared to the colitis group. Concerning inflammatory markers, significant modulations were observed: AECs (3, 30, and 300 mg/kg) lowered levels of IL-1β and TNF-α (p < 0.001) and increased IL-10 levels (p < 0.001) compared to the colitis groups. The viability of HT-29 cells was suppressed by AECs with an IC50 of 195.90 ± 0.01 μg/mL (48 h). During the molecular docking analysis, quercetin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and ellagic acid demonstrated consistent binding affinities, forming stable interactions with the 3w3l (TLR8) and the 3ds6 (MAPK14) complexes. ConclusionThese results imply that the intestinal mucogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of the C. sylvestris var. lingua leaf extract may be involved in its therapeutic actions for ulcerative colitis. The results of the in silico study point to the possibility of quercetin and ellagic acid interacting with P38 and TLR8, respectively, in a beneficial way.

The role of exosomes in the diagnostics and treatment of immune mediated skin disoders, wounds and alopecia

Exosomes are microvesicles secreted by different cells that have the specificity and ability to transfer their cargo, including various regulatory molecules, to other cells. Exosomes cargo analysis considered to be a promising approach for diagnostics and therapeutic agents delivery into cells. Molecules derived from exosome cargo supposed to be plausible diagnostics criteria. This review provides up-to-date information on the exosomes origin and composition followed by a description of their diagnostic potential. New data summarized on the possibilities of exosomes application for the treatment of chronic immune-mediated cutaneous disorders, alopecia and cutaneous wound healing.

Quantification of age-related changes in the structure and mechanical function of skin with multiscale imaging

The mechanical properties of skin change during aging but the relationships between structure and mechanical function remain poorly understood. Previous work has shown that young skin exhibits a substantial decrease in tissue volume, a large macro-scale Poisson’s ratio, and an increase in micro-scale collagen fiber alignment during mechanical stretch. In this study, label-free multiphoton microscopy was used to quantify how the microstructure and fiber kinematics of aged mouse skin affect its mechanical function. In an unloaded state, aged skin was found to have less collagen alignment and more non-enzymatic collagen fiber crosslinks. Skin samples were then loaded in uniaxial tension and aged skin exhibited a lower mechanical stiffness compared to young skin. Aged tissue also demonstrated less volume reduction and a lower macro-scale Poisson’s ratio at 10% uniaxial strain, but not at 20% strain. The magnitude of 3D fiber realignment in the direction of loading was not different between age groups, and the amount of realignment in young and aged skin was less than expected based on theoretical fiber kinematics affine to the local deformation. These findings provide key insights on how the collagen fiber microstructure changes with age, and how those changes affect the mechanical function of skin, findings which may help guide wound healing or anti-aging treatments.

Hypoxic adipose stem cell-derived exosomes carrying high-abundant USP22 facilitate cutaneous wound healing through stabilizing HIF-1α and upregulating lncRNA H19.

Hypoxic preconditioning has been recognized as a promotive factor for accelerating cutaneous wound healing. Our previous study uncovered that exosomal lncRNA H19, derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), plays a crucial role in orchestrating cutaneous wound healing. Herein, we aimed to explore whether there is a connection between hypoxia and ADSC-derived exosomes (ADSCs-exos) in cutaneous wound healing. Exosomes extracted from ADSCs under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were identified using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size analysis. The effects of ADSCs-exos on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated by CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, and tube formation assays. Expression patterns of H19, HIF-1α, and USP22 were measured. Co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination, and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to confirm the USP22/HIF-1α/H19 axis, which was further validated in a mice model of skin wound. Exosomes extracted from hypoxia-treated ADSCs (termed as H-ADSCs-exos) significantly increased cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in H2O2-exposed HUVECs, and promoted cutaneous wound healing invivo. Moreover, H-ADSCs and H-ADSCs-exos, which exhibited higher levels of H19, were found to be transcriptionally activated by HIF-1α. Mechanically, H-ADSCs carrying USP22 accounted for deubiquitinating and stabilizing HIF-1α. Additionally, H-ADSCs-exos improved cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in H2O2-triggered HUVECs by activating USP22/HIF-1α axis and promoting H19 expression, which may provide a new clue for the clinical treatment of cutaneous wound healing.

From stem cells to extracellular vesicles: a new horizon in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

In the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become viable therapeutic tools. EVs produced from stem cells promote tissue healing by regulating the immune system, enhancing cell proliferation and aiding remodeling processes. Recently, EV has gained significant attention from researchers due to its ability to treat various diseases. Unlike stem cells, stem cell-derived EVs show lower immunogenicity, are less able to overcome biological barriers, and have a higher safety profile. This makes the use of EVs derived from cell-free stem cells a promising alternative to whole-cell therapy. This review focuses on the biogenesis, isolation, and characterization of EVs and highlights their therapeutic potential for bone fracture healing, wound healing, and neuronal tissue repair and treatment of kidney and intestinal diseases. Additionally, this review discusses the potential of EVs for the treatment of cancer, COVID-19, and HIV. In summary, the use of EVs derived from stem cells offers a new horizon for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Current State and Future Perspective of Diabetic Wound Healing Treatment: Present Evidence from Clinical Trials.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that is becoming more common and is characterised by sustained hyperglycaemia and long-term health effects. Diabetes-related wounds often heal slowly and are more susceptible to infection because of hyperglycaemia in the wound beds. The diabetic lesion becomes harder to heal after planktonic bacterial cells form biofilms. A potential approach is the creation of hydrogels with many functions. High priority is given to a variety of processes, such as antimicrobial, pro-angiogenesis, and general pro-healing. Diabetes problems include diabetic amputations or chronic wounds (DM). Chronic diabetes wounds that do not heal are often caused by low oxygen levels, increased reactive oxygen species, and impaired vascularization. Several types of hydrogels have been developed to get rid of contamination by pathogens; these hydrogels help to clean up the infection, reduce wound inflammation, and avoid necrosis. This review paper will focus on the most recent improvements and breakthroughs in antibacterial hydrogels for treating chronic wounds in people with diabetes. Prominent and significant side effects of diabetes mellitus include foot ulcers. Antioxidants, along with oxidative stress, are essential to promote the healing of diabetic wounds. Some of the problems that can come from a foot ulcer are neuropathic diabetes, ischemia, infection, inadequate glucose control, poor nutrition, also very high morbidity. Given the worrying rise in diabetes and, by extension, diabetic wounds, future treatments must focus on the rapid healing of diabetic wounds.

Characterization, Biocompatibility and Antioxidant Activity of Hydrogels Containing Propolis Extract as an Alternative Treatment in Wound Healing.

Hydrogels consist of a network of highly porous polymeric chains with the potential for use as a wound dressing. Propolis is a natural product with several biological properties including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This study was aimed at synthesizing and characterizing a polyacrylamide/methylcellulose hydrogel containing propolis as an active ingredient, to serve as a wound dressing alternative, for the treatment of skin lesions. The hydrogels were prepared using free radical polymerization, and were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, swelling capacity, mechanical and rheological properties, UV-Vis spectroscopy, antioxidant activity by the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays and biocompatibility determined in Vero cells and J774 macrophages by the MTT assay. Hydrogels showed a porous and foliaceous structure with a well-defined network, a good ability to absorb water and aqueous solutions simulating body fluids as well as desirable mechanical properties and pseudoplastic behavior. In hydrogels containing 1.0 and 2.5% propolis, the contents of total polyphenols were 24.74 ± 1.71 mg GAE/g and 32.10 ± 1.01 mg GAE/g and those of total flavonoids 8.01 ± 0.99 mg QE/g and 13.81 ± 0.71 mg QE/g, respectively, in addition to good antioxidant activity determined with all three methods used. Therefore, hydrogels containing propolis extract, may serve as a promising alternative wound dressing for the treatment of skin lesions, due to their anti-oxidant properties, low cost and availability.

Advances in nanofiber technology for biomedical application: A review

The application of nanofiber technology in the biomedical field has garnered significant interest due to its potential to revolutionize areas such as tissue engineering, wound healing, and antimicrobial treatments. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in nanofiber technology, particularly focusing on electrospinning and 3D printing methods that enable the fabrication of scaffolds mimicking the native extracellular matrix. These technologies have facilitated the development of nanofibers with high surface-to-volume ratios, adjustable porosity, and enhanced mechanical properties, tailored to meet specific biomedical needs. Despite their promising features, challenges such as the optimization of pore size for effective cell infiltration and the mechanical robustness required for hard tissue regeneration remain. The review also explores the evolution of sustainable polymers from natural resources, highlighting their potential to create biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolding materials. Future directions emphasize the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration to overcome current limitations and scale production from laboratory to industrial levels. The ongoing research and development efforts aim to refine the properties of nanofibers to achieve optimal performance in clinical applications, underlining the dynamic and evolving nature of this field.

An Ethno-Pharmacological Study of Wound Healing Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, India

Ethno-pharmacology is "the multidisciplinary scientific investigation of the biologically active substances that are customarily used." As a result, the ethno-pharmacological approach is founded on a corpus of research encompassing pharmacology, chemistry, and botany, among other fields. The research was conducted in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari areas. Fifteen families and a total of eighteen therapeutic plants with ethno-pharmacological potency, particularly in wound healing, were identified at the study site. In the research areas, extensive field surveys were carried out between March 2021 and February 2023. On field excursions, native knowledge of wild medicinal plants was gathered through conversations, questionnaires, and in-person interviews. Plants were arranged according to their scientific names, families, common names, and parts that were utilised to cure or promote wound healing. In the survey, the dominant families of plants like Amaranthaceae, Liliaceae, and Fabaceae had two (02) species of medicinal importance, particularly for wound healing treatment. The Dhamtari region's rural inhabitants have traditionally utilised native flora for primary healthcare and the treatment of a variety of ailments. On the other hand, hardly much was recorded regarding traditional knowledge of therapeutic herbs. The Dhamtari people of the countryside claimed that as society developed, newer generations became less interested in the traditional knowledge of therapeutic herbs. Therefore, before they become extinct and are no longer available, it is imperative to document ethno-medicinal plants that can heal wounds. In order to properly conserve plants and traditional knowledge for the future, this ethno-botanical database will be valuable to scientists, naturalists, planners, policymakers and chemists.

Effects of keratin6/16 heterodimer on diabetic wound healing treatment with topical metformin

Diabetes is an important public health problem, and it is well known that healing processes are impaired in diabetic wounds as one of its complications. Keratins are structural proteins found in skin cells and play a vital role in wound healing and skin integrity. While there is increasing interest in the anti-inflammatory properties of metformin, a drug commonly used for diabetes, its potential effect on wound healing and keratins is not yet fully understood. In this context, it was aimed to evaluate how metformin administration affects keratin 6 and keratin 16 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. In this study conducted on diabetic rats, the effects of topically applied metformin on keratins in wound healing were investigated. Then, protein and mRNA expression levels of keratin 6 and keratin 16 in treated wounds were compared with untreated wounds using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry methods. The results of the study are likely to detail changes in the expression levels of keratin 6 and keratin 16 after metformin administration. This information will shed light on how metformin affects the molecular mechanisms involved in wound healing, particularly concerning these important structural proteins. Understanding these changes may provide insight into potential therapeutic approaches to improve diabetic wound healing. By elucidating the effect of metformin on keratin expression, the study may contribute to the development of targeted therapies aimed at improving the healing process in diabetic wounds.

Melatonin/Sericin Wound Healing Patches: Implications for Melanoma Therapy.

Melatonin and sericin exhibit antioxidant properties and may be useful in topical wound healing patches by maintaining redox balance, cell integrity, and regulating the inflammatory response. In human skin, melatonin suppresses damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) which involves numerous mechanisms associated with reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) generation and enhancing apoptosis. Sericin is a protein mainly composed of glycine, serine, aspartic acid, and threonine amino acids removed from the silkworm cocoon (particularly Bombyx mori and other species). It is of interest because of its biodegradability, anti-oxidative, and anti-bacterial properties. Sericin inhibits tyrosinase activity and promotes cell proliferation that can be supportive and useful in melanoma treatment. In recent years, wound healing patches containing sericin and melatonin individually have attracted significant attention by the scientific community. In this review, we summarize the state of innovation of such patches during 2021-2023. To date, melatonin/sericin-polymer patches for application in post-operational wound healing treatment has been only sparingly investigated and it is an imperative to consider these materials as a promising approach targeting for skin tissue engineering or regenerative dermatology.

Synergistic antibacterial and antifouling wound dressings: Integration of photothermal-activated no release and zwitterionic surface modification

Addressing the pervasive issue of bacteria and biofilm infections is crucial in the development of advanced antifouling wound dressings. In this study, a novel wound healing treatment using sulfobetaine (SBMA) decorated electrospun fibrous membrane based on polycaprolactone (PCL)/nitric oxide (NO) donors was developed. The fabrication involved a dual strategy, first integrating NO donors into mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) and complexed with PCL/PEI to electrospin nanofibers. The fibrous membrane exhibited a potent antibacterial response upon irradiation at 808 nm, owing to a combination of NO and photothermal effect that effectively targets bacteria and disrupts biofilms. Surface functionalization of the membrane with PEI allowed for the attachment of SBMA via Michael addition, fabricating a zwitterionic surface, which significantly hinders protein adsorption and reduces biofilm formation on the wound dressing. In vitro and in vivo assessments confirmed the rapid bactericidal capabilities and its efficacy in biofilm eradication. Combining photothermal activity, targeted NO release and antifouling surface, this multifaceted wound dressing addresses key challenges in bacterial infection management and biofilm eradication, promoting efficient wound healing.

Strictosamide promotes wound healing through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway

Nauclea officinalis, as a Chinese medicine in Hainan province, had the effect of treating lower limb ulcers, burn infections. In this paper, we studied the effect of Strictosamide (STR), the main bioactive compound in Nauclea officinals, on wound healing and explored its internal mechanism. Firstly, the wound healing potential of STR was evaluated in a rat model, demonstrating its ability to expedite wound healing, mitigate inflammatory infiltration, and enhance collagen deposition. Additionally, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that STR up-regulated the expression of CD31 and PCNA. Subsequently, target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO), and pathway enrichment analyses were used to obtain potential targets, specific biological processes, and molecular mechanisms of STR for the potential treatment of wound healing. Furthermore, molecular docking was conducted to predict the binding affinity between STR and its associated targets. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that STR could increase the expression of P-PI3K, P-AKT and P-mTOR by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In summary, this study provided a new explanation for the mechanism by which STR promotes wound healing through network pharmacology, suggesting that STR may be a new candidate for treating wound.

Formulation and optimization of mesoporous silica loaded gel containing extract of Rosmarinus officinalis for treatment of acute wound healing

This study investigate the development and optimization of a mesoporous silica-loaded gel formulated with Rosmarinus officinalis extract, aiming to amplify wound healing capabilities by harnessing the plant's known therapeutic properties alongside the sophisticated drug delivery advantages of mesoporous silica. The formulation process entailed encapsulating the Rosmarinus officinalis extract within mesoporous silica particles before their incorporation into a gel matrix, with particular attention paid to the variable concentrations of Poloxamer 407 and HPMC K15 M to evaluate their effect on the gel's Spreadability and drug release profile. Employing a comprehensive full factorial experimental design analyzed through Design-Expert software, inclusive of ANOVA and 3D surface plotting, the investigation identified batch RF7 as the prime formulation, composed of 14 % w/v Poloxamer 407 and 1 % w/v HPMC K15 M. RF7 precisely matched the predicted Spreadability with an experimental value of 13.6 gm.cm/sec and showcased a promising Cumulative % drug release at 10 h of 87.93 %, closely aligning with a predicted 89.94 %, marking a minimal percentage error of −2.01 %. The study further validated RF7 efficacy through stability and in-vitro antibacterial activity assessments, where it demonstrated significant zones of inhibition against E. coli (22.5 ± 0.87 mm) and S. Aureus (23.4 ± 1.15 mm), nearly paralleling or outperforming the Rosmarinus officinalis extract itself and a marketed standard, Candiderma Plus. These findings, supported by rigorous statistical validation, underscore RF7 enhanced wound healing potential, marrying natural therapeutic virtues with cutting-edge drug delivery technology for a promising advancement in wound care solutions.

Microneedle Patch for Transdermal Sequential Delivery of KGF-2 and aFGF to Enhance Burn Wound Therapy.

Severe burn wounds usually destroy key cells' functions of the skin resulting in delayed re-epithelization and wound regeneration. Promoting key cells' activities is crucial for burn wound repair. It is well known that keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) participates in the proliferation and morphogenesis of epithelial cells while acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF)is a key mediator for fibroblast and endothelial cell growth and differentiation. However, thick eschar and the harsh environment of a burn wound often decrease the delivery efficiency of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to the wound site. Therefore, herein a novel microneedle patch for sequential transdermal delivery of KGF-2 and aFGF is fabricated to enhance burn wound therapy. aFGF is first loaded in the nanoparticle (NPaFGF) and then encapsulated NPaFGF with KGF-2 in the microneedle patch (KGF-2/NPaFGF@MN). The result shows that KGF-2/NPaFGF@MN can successfully get across the eschar and sequentially release KGF-2 and aFGF. Additional data demonstrated that KGF-2/NPaFGF@MN achieved a quicker wound closure rate with reduced necrotic tissues, faster re-epithelialization, enhanced collagen deposition, and increased neo-vascularization. Further evidence suggests that improved wound healing is regulated by significantly elevated expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha(HIF-1ɑ) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) in burn wounds. All these data proved that KGF-2/NPaFGF@MN is an effective treatment for wound healing of burns.

Establishment and Validation of an Automated System for the Antifactor IIa Assay: A Case Study of Potency Assessment of a Pharmaceutical Gel Formulation.

Antithrombotic agents and anticoagulant drugs, such as those from the heparin family, are employed in clinical settings for the prevention and treatment of clotting, thromboembolism, and wound healing. The potency assessment of antithrombotic agents is typically conducted using antifactor IIa assay with manual systems which are time-consuming and often lack repeatability. Here, we present a novel automated system that significantly enhances assay repeatability, attaining an outstandingly low relative standard deviation (RSD) % of only 0.6% for repeatability. This system has been applied to a pharmaceutical gel formulation for wound healing developed by Abdi Ibrahim Pharmaceuticals R&D Center as a case study for validation. The automated system demonstrated substantial improvements over manual systems in linearity (R2 = 0.9927), precision, accuracy, specificity, and robustness. The system aligns with the European Pharmacopoeia specifications, promising to enhance quality control across pharmaceutical formulations and conduct absorbance-based end-point assays within the pharmaceutical industry while offering increased throughput and cost-effectiveness.

Biomass derived carbon dots with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of wound healing

We report the synthesis of multifunctional carbon dots (PAPBCDs) via a one-step hydrothermal method, and evaluated their therapeutic efficacy in wound healing in vivo using a Staphylococcus aureus-infected wound mouse model. The multifunctional carbon dots (CDs) were derived from biomass-based polysaccharide (PAP) and betaine (B), and retained the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, respectively, of their starting precursors. In addition to possessing favorable biocompatibility in cytotoxicity studies, the antibacterial activity of the PAPBCDs was 99.38% against Gram-negative bacteria and 90.80% against Gram-positive bacteria, respectively, suggesting that the betaine-derived quaternary ammonium groups in the PAPBCDs were able to electrostatically disrupt bacterial cell membranes leading to pathogen inactivation. ROS scavenging studies demonstrated that the PAPBCDs could effectively scavenge hydroxyl radicals, suggesting that the PAPBCDs could remove intracellular ROS and protect wound tissue from oxidative stress. In vivo studies using mouse models indicated that PAPBCDs could accelerate S. aureus-infected wound healing. These findings offer some interesting ideas for how to design of effective nanomaterials to treat wound infections, and suggest that multifunctional carbon-dot based materials may play a therapeutic role in tissue regeneration and healing.