Biocomposites in wound healing

Abstract

Biopolymer based hydrogels with sustained release capability and antibacterial activity exhibited great potential in clinical applications in wound healing. Wound dressings are the biomaterials which can cover the wounds or other damages. Now days, ideal wound healing environment can be provided by active occlusive dressings which protect the wound from surrounding environment and also provide the moist environment for continuous tissue reconstruction process[1]. These are designed to be properly adhered to the wound yet can be easily removed. Wound dressing casted from biopolymer based hydrogels are biocompatible, tend to absorb wound exudates and provide moist environment and less adhesive. Polymeric hydrogels are crosslinked hydrophilic networks that allows excess water absorption and structurally similar to native ECM. Some limitations associated with hydrogels is weak mechanical properties [2]. Through diverse crosslinking mechanisms, advanced hydrogel materials (in situ cross-linkable) can be fabricated with desired properties for effective wound management.  Stable hydrogels with high mechanical properties and self healing tendency are needed to avoid any external pressure or force which lead to breakage of wound dressings[3].  In addition to this, antibacterial drug loading into these systems with sustained release properties may lead to long term antibacterial effect which prevent wound from further infections.