Biological macromolecules-based nanoformulation in improving wound healing and bacterial biofilm-associated infection: A review

Int J Biol Macromol. 2023 Aug 30:247:125636. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125636. Epub 2023 Jun 29.

Abstract

A chronic wound is a serious complication associated with diabetes mellitus and is difficult to heal due to high glucose levels, oxidative stress, and biofilm-associated microbial infection. The structural complexity of microbial biofilm makes it impossible for antibiotics to penetrate the matrix, hence conventional antibiotic therapies became ineffective in clinical settings. This demonstrates an urgent need to find safer alternatives to reduce the prevalence of chronic wound infection associated with microbial biofilm. A novel approach to address these concerns is to inhibit biofilm formation using biological-macromolecule based nano-delivery system. Higher drug loading efficiency, sustained drug release, enhanced drug stability, and improved bioavailability are advantages of employing nano-drug delivery systems to prevent microbial colonization and biofilm formation in chronic wounds. This review covers the pathogenesis, microbial biofilm formation, and immune response to chronic wounds. Furthermore, we also focus on macromolecule-based nanoparticles as wound healing therapies to reduce the increased mortality associated with chronic wound infections.

Keywords: Biological macromolecules-based nanoformulations; Chronic wound; Diabetes-associated wound; Microbial biofilm.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections* / drug therapy
  • Biofilms
  • Humans
  • Wound Healing
  • Wound Infection* / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents