Purpose of review: Nonhealing wounds are a significant issue facing the healthcare industry. Materials that modulate the wound microenvironment have the potential to improve healing outcomes.
Recent findings: A variety of acellular and cellular scaffolds have been developed for regulating the wound microenvironment, including materials for controlled release of antimicrobials and growth factors, materials with inherent immunomodulative properties, and novel colloidal-based scaffolds. Scaffold construction methods include electrospinning, 3D printing, decellularization of extracellular matrix, or a combination of techniques. Material application methods include layering or injecting at the wound site.
Summary: Though these techniques show promise for repairing wounds, all material strategies thus far struggle to induce regeneration of features such as sweat glands and hair follicles. Nonetheless, innovative technologies currently in the research phase may facilitate future attainment of these features. Novel methods and materials are constantly arising for the development of microenvironments for enhanced wound healing.
Keywords: Biomaterials; Biomaterials for wound healing; Chronic wounds; Novel wound healing materials; Wound microenvironment; Wound modulation.