ROS-scavenging materials for skin wound healing: advancements and applications

Abstract

The intricate healing process of skin wounds includes a variety of cellular and molecular events. Wound healing heavily relies on reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are essential for controlling various processes, including inflammation, cell growth, angiogenesis, granulation, and the formation of extracellular matrix. Nevertheless, an overabundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by extended oxidative pressure may result in the postponement or failure of wound healing. It is crucial to comprehend the function of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and create biomaterials that efficiently eliminate ROS to enhance the healing process of skin wounds. In this study, a thorough examination is presented on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the process of wound healing, along with an exploration of the existing knowledge regarding biomaterials employed for ROS elimination. In addition, the article covers different techniques and substances used in the management of skin wound. The future prospects and clinical applications of enhanced biomaterials are also emphasized, highlighting the potential of biomaterials that scavenge active oxygen to promote skin repair. This article seeks to enhance the understanding of the complex processes of ROS in the healing of wounds and the application of ROS-scavenging materials. Its objective is to create novel strategies for effective treatment skin wounds.

Keywords: biomaterials; oxidative stress; reactive oxygen species; skin wound; wound healing.

FIGURE 1

Key stages in the wound healing process: Hemostasis (1), inflammation (2), proliferation (3), and remodelling (4) (Xu et al., 2020).

FIGURE 2

In wound healing, the function of ROS is depicted in figure. Limiting ROS levels to the normal range has a beneficial effect on the wound healing process. Too much reactive oxygen species (ROS) can hinder the cell growth process and cause tissue damage, hindering the wound healing (Wang et al., 2023).

FIGURE 3

ROS-scavenging mechanism of CeO₂ NPs (Celardo et al., 2011).

FIGURE 4

Schematic diagram of the application of ROS scavenging materials in skin wound repair.

FIGURE 5

(A) The designed system based on GQDs and low level of H₂O₂ for the antibacterial application. (B) The GQD-Band-Aids used in wound disinfection in vivo (Sun et al., 2014).

FIGURE 6

Biocompatibility and antioxidant activity of Gj-CATH3 peptide analogs in vivo and in vitro. (A) ABTS + free radical and (B) DPPH free radical scavenging activity of Gj-CATH3 peptide analogs. (C,D) Effect of Gj-CATH3 peptide analogs on the proliferation of HaCaT cells. In vivo assessment of the Gj-CATH3 peptide analogs for wound healing (E) Photographic snapshots of temporal development of healing wounds for the different Gj-CATH3 peptide analogs in 0–9 days. (F) Wound closure rate of different Gj-CATH3 peptide analogs at different healing times (Cai et al., 2021).

FIGURE 7

Preparation of the PCL-COL/NAC scaffold and its effect on skin tissue regeneration. (A) Schematic of experimental procedures for fabricating the PCL-COL/NAC scaffold. (B) Time-dependent cumulative release profiles of NAC by Col/NAC and PCL-COL/NAC. (C) Confocal fluorescence images for FDA/PI staining of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts cultured on the scaffolds for 1, 3, and 7 days. (D) Photographic snapshots of the temporal development of healing wounds for the different scaffolds at 0 and -15 days. (E) H&E staining and Masson staining images of the wound section on the 15th day for each group (Hou et al., 2019).

FIGURE 8

Schematic illustrations of the Fe-MSC-NVs/PDA MN patch for diabetic wound healing: (A) schematic of the Fe-MSC-NVs/PDA MN patch; (B) schematic of the wound closure process (Ma et al., 2022).