Nanoparticles in wound healing; from hope to promise, from promise to routine

Chronic non-healing wounds represent a growing problem due to their high morbidity and cost. Despite recent advances in wound healing, several systemic and local factors can disrupt the weighed physiologic healing process. This paper critically reviews and discusses the role of nanotechnology in promoting the wound healing process. Nanotechnology-based materials have physicochemical, optical and biological properties unique from their bulk equivalent. These nanoparticles can be incorporated into scaffolds to create nanocomposite smart materials, which promote wound healing through their antimicrobial, as well as selective anti- and pro-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties. Owed to their high surface area, nanoparticles have also been used for drug delivery as well as gene delivery vectors. In addition, nanoparticles affect wound healing by influencing collagen deposition and realignment and provide approaches for skin regeneration and wound healing.