Biological Nanoparticles for Enhancing Chronic Wound Regeneration

Chronic wounds (CWs) represent a growing global health concern with profound clinical and socioeconomic implications. Studies indicate that approximately 15% of CWs remain unhealed one year after the initial treatment. At the same time, it is assumed that from 1% to 2% of the population of developed countries will suffer from chronic wounds during their lifetime. CWs severely impair patients' quality of life. Current therapies (compression bandages, antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen, and skin grafts) face limitations, including toxicity, contraindications, inefficacy in patients with comorbidities like diabetes, and high cost. Biological nanoparticles (BNPs), particularly extracellular vesicles (EVs), emerge as transformative solutions due to their innate biocompatibility, targeted biodistribution, and multifunctional regenerative properties. This review examines the mechanisms by which BNPs promote CW healing and drug delivery. Innovative BNP delivery platforms (chitosan hydrogels, alginate films) are evaluated, enabling sustained release and responsiveness to the wound microenvironment. Clinical advances, including exosome-laden hydrogels that accelerate healing in diabetic ulcers, underscore BNPs' potential to overcome conventional therapy limitations. By addressing the challenges of both pathophysiological complexity and healthcare system burden, BNPs demonstrate the potential to improve patient outcomes in the management of chronic wounds.