Knowledge map and emerging trends of oxidative stress in wound healing: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023

The skin's integrity is vulnerable to external elements that can induce injuries, leading to wound formation. It's crucial to comprehend wound healing processes to protect the body when this protective barrier is compromised. Over the last 2 decades, there has been considerable progress in understanding delayed wound healing, with a focus on the mechanisms and microenvironmental factors involved. The connection between oxidative stress and wound healing has recently gained attention, emphasizing the need for in-depth analysis to propel further advancements and interventions in this area. Despite these advancements, there remains a noticeable void in the literature concerning the application of scientometric methods to systematically examine the progression of wound healing research. Additionally, a comprehensive assessment of the research output and effectiveness of various researchers and institutions in this field is lacking. To address these gaps, we analyzed data from the Web of Science Core Collection from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023, utilizing relevant keywords. Using CiteSpace, we created visual maps that depict the evolution and structure of keyword clusters, and both CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to evaluate the performance of research networks across different countries, institutions, and authors. This data was methodically analyzed. The leading institution in this field is the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The key researchers are Bekeschus, Sander; Li, Yang; Bi, Yang; Fan, Daidi; and Zhang, Yu. Our software analysis reviewed 3025 studies, revealing 19 co-citation clusters that highlight current trends in research on oxidative stress and wound healing. Prominent journals, leading institutions, and key researchers were identified. Key emerging research directions include studying the mechanisms linking oxidative stress to wound healing, exploring the use of antioxidant substances in wound dressings, and investigating how nanomaterials in dressings can influence oxidative stress. These focal points emphasize the significance of understanding oxidative stress's impact on wound healing and investigating new methods to enhance therapeutic efficacy. This comprehensive approach not only fills a gap in the current literature but also sets the stage for future research endeavors in this crucial area of health science.