Application of chitosan-based nanoparticles in skin wound healing

The rising prevalence of impaired wound healing and the consequential healthcare burdens have gained increased attention over recent years. This has prompted research into the development of novel wound dressings with augmented wound healing functions. Nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery systems have become attractive candidates in constructing such wound dressings due to their various favourable attributes. The non-toxicity, biocompatibility and bioactivity of chitosan (CS)-based NPs make them ideal candidates for wound applications. This review focusses on the application of CS-based NP systems for use in wound treatment. An overview of the wound healing process was presented, followed by discussion on the properties and suitability of CS and its NPs in wound healing. The wound healing mechanisms exerted by CS-based NPs were then critically analysed and discussed in sections, namely haemostasis, infection prevention, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and wound closure time. The results of the studies were thoroughly reviewed, and contradicting findings were identified and discussed. Based on the literature, the gap in research and future prospects in this research area were identified and highlighted. Current evidence shows that CS-based NPs possess superior wound healing effects either used on their own, or as drug delivery vehicles to encapsulate wound healing agents. It is concluded that great opportunities and potentials exist surrounding the use of CSNPs in wound healing. (C) 2022 Shenyang Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

With the increasing prevalence of impaired wound healing, there has been a growing interest in the development of novel wound dressings with enhanced healing functions. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems, particularly chitosan-based nanoparticles, have emerged as promising candidates due to their non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. This review focuses on the application of chitosan-based nanoparticle systems in wound treatment, discussing their properties, mechanisms, and potential for improving wound healing. The results show that chitosan-based nanoparticles exhibit superior wound healing effects, either alone or as drug delivery vehicles. Overall, there are great opportunities and potentials for the use of chitosan nanoparticles in wound healing.