Nanotechnological Interventions and Mechanistic Insights into Wound-Healing Events

Abstract

Wound-healing cascade is highly dynamic and composed of four continuous but overlapping phases that are precisely programmed. Successful healing occurs when these phases occur sequentially in a specific time frame and thus require multipotent wound-healing material. Nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of wound dressings by the development of various types of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and materials to treat hard-to-heal wounds. In this chapter, the advantages and the limitations associated with nanoparticle-based wound-healing materials as well as recent trends and applications of nanotechnology-based approaches in advanced wound therapy for healing of cutaneous, chronic, and burn wounds will be detailed along with the molecular interventions involved. Efforts are targeted herein to address the most significant factors affecting cutaneous wound healing and the molecular mechanisms involved. This chapter describes several nanoparticle (NP)-based drug delivery systems to improve the healing potential of antimicrobial, antifungal, growth factors, and other bioactive agents. While much remains to be learned, a better understanding of the factors influencing wound repair and nanotechnological interventions therein may lead to therapeutics that improve the healing process.