Advancements in polymer-based approaches in diabetic wound healing: a comprehensive review

Diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, often leads to chronic wounds due to impaired healing processes, marked by prolonged inflammation, delayed blood vessel formation, and abnormal collagen production. These issues disrupt normal tissue regeneration, slowing healing. To address these challenges, polymer-based wound dressings are being explored as a promising solution. Natural polymers like alginate, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, as well as synthetic ones like PCL, PLA, and PLGA, offer potential for more effective healing. These materials can be used in advanced delivery systems, such as nanofibrous scaffolds, nanoparticles, and hydrogels, which help deliver medications, maintain a moist healing environment, and stimulate cell growth. By improving the wound environment, polymer-based systems provide new hope for diabetic patients with slow-to-heal wounds, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and accelerating healing. These innovations could significantly improve the management of chronic wounds in diabetes.