Analysis of therapeutic effect of silver-based dressings on chronic wound healing.

Chronic wounds are susceptible to bacterial infections and at high risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Silver is an antimicrobial by targeting almost all types of bacteria in chronic wounds to reduce the bacterial load in the infected area and further facilitate the healing process. This study focused on exploring whether silver-based dressings were superior to non-silver dressings in the treatment of chronic wounds. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were comprehensively searched from inception to March 2024 for randomized clinical trials and observational studies. The endpoints in terms of wound healing rate, complete healing time, reduction on wound surface area and wound infection rate were analysed using Review Manager 5.4 software. A total of 15 studies involving 5046 patients were eventually included. The results showed that compared with patients provided with non-silver dressings, patients provided with silver-based dressings had higher wound healing rate (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.10-1.85, p = 0.008), shorter complete healing time (MD: -0.96, 95% CI: -1.08 ~ -0.85, p < 0.00001) and lower wound infection rate (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.40-0.79, p = 0.001); no significant difference in the reduction on wound surface area (MD: 12.41, 95% CI: -19.59-44.40, p = 0.45) was found. These findings suggested that the silver-based dressings were able to enhance chronic wound healing rate, shorten the complete healing time and reduce wound infection rate, but had no significant improvement in the reduction on wound surface area. Large-scale and rigorous studies are required to confirm the beneficial effects of silver-based dressings on chronic wound healing.

The effect of Camellia sinensis ointment on perineal pain and episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Episiotomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in obstetrics. complications of episiotomy are pain, bleeding, infection, pain in the sitting position, and difficulty in taking care of the baby. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Camellia sinensis ointment on perineal pain and episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women. METHODS: This triple-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 primiparous women who were referred to the maternity ward of Al-Hadi hospital in Shoushtar and Ganjovian hospital in Dezful, Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (Camellia sinensis extract ointment) and control (placebo) with a follow-up of 14 days. REEDA scale (redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and approximation) was used to measure wound healing and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups before intervention in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, pain intensity, and episiotomy wound status. Scores of pain intensity and wound healing reduced on days 7, 10, and 14 post-intervention in the intervention group compared to placebo. There was a significant decrease between the groups of intervention and control in terms of the mean score of pain intensity (VAS scale) on day 10 (1.33 ± 0.71, 1.77 ± 0.93) and day 14 (0.73 ± 0.74, 1.13 ± 0.81) post-intervention (P < 0.05). Also, on day 14 post-intervention, there was a significant decrease between the groups of intervention and control in terms of the mean score of episiotomy wound healing (REEDA index) (0.53 ± 0.77, 1.77 ± 1.46) (P < 0.05). The GLM test was applied for repeated measures. REEDA index and VAS scale changed during different times (time-variable) (p < .001). But, the studied groups (group variable) and the studied groups (interaction effect of group * time) did not affect the changes in the REEDA index (p = .292, p = .306) and VAS scale (p = .47) during different times. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that Camellia sinensis extract ointment has a small effect on the healing process and pain reduction of episiotomy wounds. to confirm its effect, a study with a larger sample size should be conducted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 04/10/2019 with the IRCT ID: IRCT20190804044428N1. Participants were enrolled between 11 April 2020 and 20 January 2021. URL of registry: https://en.irct.ir/trial/41326.

Treatment of anal fistulas with Obsidian RFT®: just another autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam?

BACKGROUND: Sphincter-preserving techniques like autologous compound platelet-rich fibrin foam have gained popularity, offering potential for better functional outcomes in anal fistula treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Obsidian RFT®. METHODS: The study conducted a retrospective analysis from January 2018 to December 2022 on patients who received anal fistula closure with Obsidian RTF® at the Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna. Clinical diagnosis, complemented by radiographic imaging, was employed to confirm inconclusive cases. Demographic and fistula characteristics and postoperative data were collected from electronic records following STROCSS criteria. RESULTS: Fifteen patients received Obsidian RFT® treatment for anal fistulas. We found no intra- and postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was 3 days. After a median follow-up of 32 months, a closure rate of 53.3% was detected. Non-significant differences were observed in various variables, yet trends emerged, indicating associations between abscess presence and non-healing fistulas. A distinct age threshold (≥ 42.7 years) served as an indicator for an inability to achieve anal fistula cure. CONCLUSION: Obsidian RFT® represents a safe, minimally invasive operative procedure. Approximately half the patients experienced healing, with better outcome in a younger population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical Approval number Medical University of Vienna (#1258/2018). This study was registered retrospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06136325).

Biomechanical and histological evaluation of aspirin in rotator cuff tear rat model.

Background: Aspirin is a representative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and has been commonly used for the treatment of tendinopathy in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biomechanical and histological healing effects of aspirin on the healing of the tendon-to-bone interface after rotator cuff tear repair. Methods: A total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups of 10 rats each. Group-C performed repaironly, and group-aspirin treated with aspirin after tendon repair. Group-aspirin rat were intraperitoneally injected with aspirin at 10 mg/kg every 24 h for 7 days. Eight weeks after surgery, the left shoulder of each rat was used for histological analysis and the right shoulder for biomechanical analysis. Results: In the biomechanical analysis, there was no significant difference in load-to-failure (group-C: 0.61 ± 0.32 N, group-aspirin: 0.74 ± 0.91 N; p = .697) and ultimate stress (group-C: 0.05 ± 0.01 MPa, group-aspirin: 0.29 ± 0.43 MPa; p = .095). For the elongation (group-C: 222.62 ± 57.98%, group-aspirin: 194.75 ± 75.16%; p = .028), group-aspirin confirmed a lower elongation level than group-C. In the histological evaluation, the Bonar score confirmed significant differences in collagen fiber density (group-C: 1.60 ± 0.52, group-aspirin: 2.60 ± 0.52, p = .001) and vascularity (group-C: 1.00 ± 0.47, group-aspirin: 2.20 ± 0.63, p = .001) between the groups. Conclusions: Aspirin injection after rotator cuff tear repair may enhance the healing effect during the early remodeling phase of tendon healing.

Natural small molecules synergize mesenchymal stem cells for injury repair in vital organs: a comprehensive review.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy is a highly researched treatment that has the potential to promote immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antimicrobial activities. It is thought that it can enhance internal organ function, reverse tissue remodeling, and achieve significant organ repair and regeneration. However, the limited infusion, survival, and engraftment of transplanted MSCs diminish the effectiveness of MSCs-based therapy. Consequently, various preconditioning methods have emerged as strategies for enhancing the therapeutic effects of MSCs and achieving better clinical outcomes. In particular, the use of natural small molecule compounds (NSMs) as a pretreatment strategy is discussed in this narrative review, with a focus on their roles in regulating MSCs for injury repair in vital internal organs. Additionally, the discussion focuses on the future directions and challenges of transforming mesenchymal stem cell research into clinical applications.

Timely Shaver Treatment Removes Chronic Tophaceous Mass Improve Surgical Outcomes.

Background: Current treatments with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) are effective for most patients with gout. However, approximately 10% of these patients do not respond well to ULT and develop chronic tophus lesions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of surgery involving the shaver technique against chronic tophus lesions. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 217 patients who had cumulatively undergone 303 shaver-assisted procedures between 2002 and 2018. Surgical outcomes were assessed in terms of the length of hospital stay (LOS) and wound healing time. Results: LOS and wound healing time were longer in patients with a preoperative tophus infection and lower extremity lesions than in those without infection and with upper extremity lesions (respectively, LOS: 12.7 vs. 8.6 days; wound healing time: 22.7 vs. 16.3 days). However, factors such as age, sex, body mass index, renal function, or uricemia level exerted no significant effect on surgical outcomes. Conclusion: Surgery involving the shaver technique should be performed before tophus infection. Clinical outcomes tend to be better for upper extremity lesions than for lower extremity lesions.

The benefits and challenges of treating skin with natural oils.

The term natural oil refers to a fixed (non-volatile) oil of animal or plant origin. These types of oils - in contrast to essential (volatile) oils, which are obtained by steam distillation methods of plant matter - are typically obtained from plant seeds and nuts by a mechanical pressing technique or solvent extraction. The natural movement in cosmetics of the 21st century has led to renewed interest in formulating skin care products with botanical ingredients. In this article, we discuss the benefits and caveats of natural oil treatments as moisturizing agents (as occlusives and emollients) as well as their utility in wound healing and treatment of skin diseases. We also address the paradoxical behaviour of natural oils in relation to barrier function and highlight the current state of our knowledge with respect to the use of natural oils in neonatal skin care. Finally, we provide a comparison of natural oils to conventional petroleum-based oils.

Le terme huile naturelle fait référence à une huile fixe (non volatile) d'origine animale ou végétale. Ces types d'huiles, contrairement aux huiles essentielles (volatiles) qui sont obtenues par des méthodes de distillation à la vapeur de matières végétales, sont généralement obtenues à partir de graines et de noix de plantes par une technique de pressage mécanique ou d'extraction par solvant. Le mouvement naturel des cosmétiques du XXI siècle a suscité un regain d'intérêt pour la formulation de produits de soins pour la peau à base d'ingrédients botaniques. Dans cet article, nous examinons les avantages et les mises en garde des traitements à base d'huiles naturelles en tant qu'agents hydratants (comme occlusifs et émollients), ainsi que leur utilité dans la cicatrisation des plaies et le traitement des maladies de la peau. Nous abordons également le comportement paradoxal des huiles naturelles par rapport à la fonction barrière et mettons en évidence l'état actuel de nos connaissances en ce qui concerne l'utilisation des huiles naturelles dans les soins de la peau néonatale. Enfin, nous comparons les huiles naturelles aux huiles conventionnelles à base de pétrole.

(+)4-cholesten-3-one/sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel for full-thickness wound repair and skin regeneration.

(+)4-cholesten-3-one has been proved to have potential wound healing effect in the process of wound regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of (+)4-cholesten-3-one/sodium alginate/gelatin on skin injury and reveal its potential molecular mechanism. First, we prepared sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel (SA/Gel hydrogel) with different ratios and tested their characteristics. Based on these results, different concentrations of (+)4-cholesten-3-one were added into SA/Gel hydrogel. A full-thickness skin injury model was successfully established to evaluate wound healing activityin vivo. HE staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate the thickness of granulation tissue and collagen deposition level. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining were applied to detect the level of revascularization and proliferation in each group of wounds. Western blot, quantitative-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of proteins related to Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in each group of wounds.In vitroresults showed that the hydrogel not only created a 3D structure for cell adhesion and growth, but also exhibited good swelling ability, excellent degradability and favorable bio-compatibility. Most importantly,in vivoexperiments further indicated that (+)4-cholesten-3-one/SA/Gel hydrogel effectively enhanced wound healing. The effectiveness is due to its superior abilities in accelerating healing process, granulation tissue regeneration, collagen deposition, promoting angiogenesis, tissue proliferation, as well as fibroblast activation and differentiation. The underlying mechanism was related to the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. This study highlighted that (+)4-cholesten-3-one/SA/Gel hydrogel holds promise as a wound healing dressing in future clinical applications.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway-based ulcer-healing mechanism of Astragalus Aqueous extract in diabetic foot rats.

The main objective of this work was to investigate the mechanism of Astragalus aqueous extract ulcer healing in diabetic foot model rats through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1ɑ)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway. Fifty specific-pathogen-free male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into blank (A), model control (B), Astragalus extract (C) and mupirocin (D) treatment groups. Group A received a regular diet, whereas the other groups received a high-fat/high-sugar diet and intraperitoneal streptozotocin injections to induce diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers were created via skin excision. Subsequently, ulcers were debrided daily. Groups B, C and D received wet saline gauze, wet gauze with Astragalus extract and gauze with mupirocin, respectively, on the affected area. Group A received no treatment. After 14 days, the rats were assessed for ulcer healing and general condition. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect HIF-1ɑ and VEGF levels in the dorsalis pedis artery, and ELISA was used to determine serum IL-6 and CRP levels. The results revealed that Groups C and D had significantly faster ulcer healing compared with Group B (p < 0.01), and ulcer healing was faster in Group C than in Group D (p < 0.01). Group C exhibited notably higher HIF-1ɑ and VEGF protein expression levels compared with Groups B and D (p < 0.01). IL-6 and CRP expression levels in Groups C and D were significantly lower than those in Group B (p < 0.01). In summary, Astragalus aqueous extract effectively treats diabetic foot ulcers by up-regulating HIF-1ɑ and VEGF expression, activating the HIF-1ɑ/VEGF pathway, improving local tissue ischaemia and hypoxia, promoting collateral circulation and enhancing dorsalis pedis artery formation, thereby accelerating ulcer repair in diabetic rats.

Not just tachycardia: A pilot study examining wound­healing complications associated with the dose and volume of lignocaine in skin cancer excisions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General practitioners excise many suspected skin cancers using local anaesthetics such as lignocaine, but the relationships between the dose and volume of the local anaesthetic and wound complications are unclear. This pilot study considers an association between the dose and volume and complications. METHOD: An audit was conducted of patient records from two time periods: one before and one after an education intervention. Data extracted included lignocaine (volume and dose), wound complications (dehiscence and infection) and the demographics of patients and clinicians. RESULTS: Both the dose and volume of lignocaine administered were significantly associated with complication rates (P=0.0084 and P=0.0209, respectively). In the post-intervention period, clinician behaviour changed, with a reduction in the volume and dose of lignocaine administered (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively) without episodes of inadequate analgesia. DISCUSSION: This pilot study reported a relationship between lidocaine dose and volume and rates of complications. Shortcomings of this study limit attribution of findings to clinical practice. However, the results justify further rigorous research.

Dihydrothiazolo ring-fused 2-pyridone antimicrobial compounds treat Streptococcus pyogenes skin and soft tissue infection.

We have developed GmPcides from a peptidomimetic dihydrothiazolo ring-fused 2-pyridone scaffold that has antimicrobial activities against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive pathogens. Here, we examine the treatment efficacy of GmPcides using skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) and biofilm formation models by Streptococcus pyogenes. Screening our compound library for minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal (MBC) concentrations identified GmPcide PS757 as highly active against S. pyogenes. Treatment of S. pyogenes biofilm with PS757 revealed robust efficacy against all phases of biofilm formation by preventing initial biofilm development, ceasing biofilm maturation and eradicating mature biofilm. In a murine model of S. pyogenes SSTI, subcutaneous delivery of PS757 resulted in reduced levels of tissue damage, decreased bacterial burdens, and accelerated rates of wound healing, which were associated with down-regulation of key virulence factors, including M protein and the SpeB cysteine protease. These data demonstrate that GmPcides show considerable promise for treating S. pyogenes infections.

Carbon dots-facilitated on-demand dissolution of Ca-alginate hydrogel via site-specific mineralization for wound healing.

On-demand dissolution of hydrogels has shown much potential in easy and pain-free removal of wound dressings. This work firstly describes a type of carbon dots (CDs) for dissolving Ca-alginate hydrogel via site-specific mineralization method. The CDs were characterized by two features, which included presence of primary/secondary amine groups and generation of calcium crystals with Ca2+. Especially, the amount of primary/secondary amine groups on CDs played key role in determining whether hydrogel could be dissolved. When there were sufficient primary/secondary amine groups, the mineralization occurred on CDs rather than alginates due to the hydrogen bond between primary/secondary amine and carboxyl of alginates. Thereby, this promoted the gel-sol transition through Ca2+ capture from the hydrogels. Moreover, antibacterial test revealed Ca2+ capture from cell walls, while in vivo test revealed hypoxia relief due to porous structures of the renewed hydrogels. Overall, CDs with sufficient primary/secondary amine groups could dissolve Ca-alginate hydrogel through site-specific mineralization method, accompanying by additional functions of antibacterial and hypoxia relief.

Hydrogel crosslinking modulates macrophages, fibroblasts, and their communication, during wound healing.

Biomaterial wound dressings, such as hydrogels, interact with host cells to regulate tissue repair. This study investigates how crosslinking of gelatin-based hydrogels influences immune and stromal cell behavior and wound healing in female mice. We observe that softer, lightly crosslinked hydrogels promote greater cellular infiltration and result in smaller scars compared to stiffer, heavily crosslinked hydrogels. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we further show that heavily crosslinked hydrogels increase inflammation and lead to the formation of a distinct macrophage subpopulation exhibiting signs of oxidative activity and cell fusion. Conversely, lightly crosslinked hydrogels are more readily taken up by macrophages and integrated within the tissue. The physical properties differentially affect macrophage and fibroblast interactions, with heavily crosslinked hydrogels promoting pro-fibrotic fibroblast activity that drives macrophage fusion through RANKL signaling. These findings suggest that tuning the physical properties of hydrogels can guide cellular responses and improve healing, offering insights for designing better biomaterials for wound treatment.

Diquafosol Improves Corneal Wound Healing by Inducing NGF Expression in an Experimental Dry Eye Model.

Dry eye disease (DED) is caused by inflammation and damage to the corneal surface due to tear film instability and hyperosmolarity. Various eye drops are used to treat this condition. Each eye drop has different properties and mechanisms of action, so the appropriate drug should be used according to clinical phenotypes. This study aims to compare the therapeutic mechanisms of cyclosporine A (CsA) and diquafosol tetrasodium (DQS). An experimental in vivo/in vitro model of DED using hyperosmolarity showed decreased cell viability, inhibited wound healing, and corneal damage compared to controls. Treatment with cyclosporine or diquafosol restored cell viability and wound healing and reduced corneal damage by hyperosmolarity. The expression of the inflammation-related genes il-1ß, il-1α, and il-6 was reduced by cyclosporine and diquafosol, and the expression of Tnf-α, c1q, and il-17a was reduced by cyclosporine. Increased apoptosis in the DED model was confirmed by increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression, but treatment with cyclosporine or diquafosol resulted in decreased apoptosis. Diquafosol increased NGF expression and translocation into the extracellular space. DED has different damage patterns depending on the progression of the lesion. Thus, depending on the type of lesion, eye drops should be selected according to the therapeutic target, focusing on repairing cellular damage when cellular repair is needed or reducing inflammation when inflammation is high and cellular damage is severe.

Promoting the healing of infected diabetic wound by nanozyme-containing hydrogel with anti-bacterial inflammation suppressing, ROS-scavenging and oxygen-generating properties.

Bacterial infections already pose a significant threat to skin wounds, especially in diabetic patients who have difficulty healing wounds. However, wound or bacterial infections are known to produce excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hypoxia may further hinder wound healing and the development of chronic wounds. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel for ROS scavenging and bacterial inhibition was developed by cross-linking polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) with graphene oxide (GO) loaded with silver-platinum hybrid nanoparticles (GO@Ag-Pt). The PVA/SA hydrogel loaded with GO@Ag-Pt exhibited the ability to scavenge different types of ROS, generate O2, and kill a broad spectrum of bacteria in vitro. The silver-platinum hybrid nanoparticles significantly increased the antibacterial ability against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus compared with silver nanoparticles (AgNps). GO@Ag-Pt loaded hydrogel was effective in treating infections caused by S.aureus, thereby significantly promoting wound healing during the inflammatory phase. Hydrogel therapy significantly reduced the level of ROS and alleviated inflammation levels. Notably, our ROS-scavenging, antibacterial hydrogels can be used to effectively treat various types of wounds, including difficult-to-heal diabetic wounds with bacterial infections. Thus, this study proposes an effective strategy for various chronic wound healing based on ROS clearance and bacteriostatic hydrogels.

Biologically Active Sheep Colostrum for Topical Treatment and Skin Care.

Colostrum is gaining popularity in cosmetic products. The present study compared the composition and selected biological properties of colostrum from Polish sheep (colostrum 1) and Swiss sheep (colostrum 2), particularly those that can affect healthy or diseased skin. The antioxidant activity of the colostrums was measured using ABTS and DPPH assays. The effect on the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts, neonatal epidermal keratinocytes, and human diabetic fibroblast (dHF) cells isolated from diabetic foot ulcers was also assayed in vitro by MTT and Presto Blue tests, respectively. The colostrum simulated dHF cell proliferation by up to 115.4%. The highest used concentration of colostrum 1 stimulated normal fibroblast proliferation by 191.2% (24 h) and 222.2% (48 h). Both colostrums inhibited epidermal keratinocyte viability. The influence of the colostrums on the expression of genes related to proliferation (Ki67) and immune response (IL-6, PTGS-2, TSG-6) in dHF cells were compared. Colostrum 1 increased the rate of wound closure (scar test). Analysis of total fat, protein and fatty acid content found the Polish colostrum to be a richer source of fat than the Swiss colostrum, which contained a larger amount of protein. Both colostrums exhibit properties that suggest they could be effective components in cosmetic or medicinal formulations for skin care, especially supporting its regeneration, rejuvenation, and wound healing.

Design of Scaffolds Based on Zinc-Modified Marine Collagen and Bilberry Leaves Extract-Loaded Silica Nanoparticles as Wound Dressings.

Purpose: In this study, wound dressings were designed using zinc-modified marine collagen porous scaffold as host for wild bilberry (WB) leaves extract immobilized in functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). These new composites were developed as an alternative to conventional wound dressings. In addition to the antibacterial activity of classic antibiotics, a polyphenolic extract could act as an antioxidant and/or an anti-inflammatory agent as well. Methods: Wild bilberry leaves extract was prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction in ethanol and its properties were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy (radical scavenging activity, total amount of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and condensed tannins). The extract components were identified by HPLC, and the antidiabetic properties of the extract were evaluated via α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Spherical MSN were modified with propionic acid or proline moieties by post-synthesis method and used as carriers for the WB leaves extract. The textural and structural features of functionalized MSN were assessed by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, small-angle XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. The composite porous scaffolds were prepared by freeze drying of the zinc-modified collagen suspension containing WB extract loaded silica nanoparticles. Results: The properties of the new composites demonstrated enhanced properties in terms of thermal stability of the zinc-collagen scaffold, without altering the protein conformation, and stimulation of NCTC fibroblasts mobility. The results of the scratch assay showed contributions of both zinc ions from collagen and the polyphenolic extract incorporated in functionalized silica in the wound healing process. The extract encapsulated in functionalized MSN proved enhanced biological activities compared to the extract alone: better inhibition of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, higher biocompatibility on HaCaT keratinocytes, and anti-inflammatory potential demonstrated by reduced IL-1ß and TNF-α levels. Conclusion: The experimental data shows that the novel composites can be used for the development of effective wound dressings.

Bioactive Materials That Promote the Homing of Endogenous Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Improve Wound Healing.

Endogenous stem cell homing refers to the transport of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to damaged tissue. The paradigm of using well-designed biomaterials to induce resident stem cells to home in to the injured site while coordinating their behavior and function to promote tissue regeneration is known as endogenous regenerative medicine (ERM). ERM is a promising new avenue in regenerative therapy research, and it involves the mobilizing of endogenous stem cells for homing as the principal means through which to achieve it. Comprehending how mesenchymal stem cells home in and grasp the influencing factors of mesenchymal stem cell homing is essential for the understanding and design of tissue engineering. This review summarizes the process of MSC homing, the factors influencing the homing process, analyses endogenous stem cell homing studies of interest in the field of skin tissue repair, explores the integration of endogenous homing promotion strategies with cellular therapies and details tissue engineering strategies that can be used to modulate endogenous homing of stem cells. In addition to providing more systematic theories and ideas for improved materials for endogenous tissue repair, this review provides new perspectives to explore the complex process of tissue remodeling to enhance the rational design of biomaterial scaffolds and guide tissue regeneration strategies.

Progress in chitin/chitosan and their derivatives for biomedical applications: Where we stand.

Chitin and its deacetylated form, chitosan, have demonstrated remarkable versatility in the realm of biomaterials. Their exceptional biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, pro- and anticoagulant characteristics, robust antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory potential make them highly sought-after in various applications. This review delves into the mechanisms underlying chitin/chitosan's biological activity and provides a comprehensive overview of their derivatives in fields such as tissue engineering, hemostasis, wound healing, drug delivery, and hemoperfusion. However, despite the wealth of studies on chitin/chitosan, there exists a notable trend of homogeneity in research, which could hinder the comprehensive development of these biomaterials. This review, taking a clinician's perspective, identifies current research gaps and medical challenges yet to be addressed, aiming to pave the way for a more sustainable future in chitin/chitosan research and application.

Tunicate cellulose nanocrystals strengthened injectable stretchable hydrogel as multi-responsive enhanced antibacterial wound dressing for promoting diabetic wound healing.

The intricate microenvironment of diabetic wounds characterized by hyperglycemia, intense oxidative stress, persistent bacterial infection and complex pH fluctuations hinders the healing process. Herein, an injectable multifunctional hydrogel (QPTx) was developed, which exhibited excellent mechanical performance and triple responsiveness to pH, temperature, and glucose due to dynamic covalent cross-linking involving dynamic Schiff base bonds and phenylboronate esters with phenylboronic-modified quaternized chitosan (QCS-PBA), polydopamine coated tunicate cellulose crystals (PDAn@TCNCs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Furthermore, the hydrogels can incorporate insulin (INS) drugs to adapt to the complex and variable wound environment in diabetic patients for on-demand drug release that promote diabetic wound healing. Based on various excellent properties of the colloidal materials, the hydrogels were evaluated for self-healing, rheological and mechanical properties, in vitro insulin response to pH/temperature/glucose release, antibacterial, antioxidant, tissue adhesion, coagulation, hemostasis in vivo and in vitro, and biocompatibility and biodegradability. By introducing PDAn@TCNCs particles, the hydrogel has photothermal antibacterial activity, enhanced adhesion and oxidation resistance. We further demonstrated that these hydrogel dressings significantly improved the healing process compared to commercial dressings (Tegaderm™) in full-layer skin defect models. All indicated that the glucose-responsive QPTx hydrogel platform has great potential for treating diabetic wounds.