Emerging nanotechnologies in wound care: The role of metal and polymeric nanocomposites in enhancing healing and combating infections.

Chronic wounds are a foremost cause of death, affecting 6.5 million people annually. Traditional treatments, such as metal-based formulations and biomaterials, are ineffective due to their toxicity and the rising incidence of chronic wound cases, necessitating the advancement of new therapies for efficient wound healing. This review explores the potential of metal nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles in advancing wound healing therapies. Both types of nanoparticles have gathered noteworthy consideration due to their exclusive properties, which enable them to address various conditions in wound care, mainly chronic and non-healing wounds. Metal nanoparticles, such as copper, zinc, gold, and silver oxide, are renowned for their strong antimicrobial activity, promoting tissue regeneration and modulating inflammatory responses, which should be essential for efficient wound healing. They are particularly effective in preventing infections and accelerating the repair process by stimulating collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. In contrast, polymeric nanoparticles-ranging from natural polymers like chitosan and collagen to synthetic polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polycaprolatone - offer advantages in drug delivery, including sustained release, biodegradability, and high biocompatibility. These polymers can be easily functionalized to tailor their properties for specific wound healing requirements, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. When combined, metal and polymeric NPs form composite materials that provide multifunctional benefits, such as improved antibacterial effects, better drug retention, and enhanced tissue regeneration. Despite their promising applications, potential toxicity, stability and the need for clinical validation remain a challenge. This review examines the advancements in nanoparticle-based strategies for wound healing over the past 15 years. It focuses on understanding their mechanisms of action, exploring their therapeutic benefits, and identifying future research directions to optimize their application in clinical settings.