Hypoxic environment of wounds and photosynthesis-based oxygen therapy

Abstract

The hypoxic environment is among the most important factors that complicates the healing of chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries and diabetic foot ulcers, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Various oxygen supply treatments are used in clinical practice to improve the hypoxic environment at the wound site. However, problems still occur, such as insufficient oxygen supply, short oxygen infusion time and potential biosafety risks. In recent years, artificial photosynthetic systems have become a research hotspot in the fields of materials and energy. Photosynthesis is expected to improve the oxygen level at wound sites and promote wound healing because the method provides a continuous oxygen supply and has good biosafety. In this paper, oxygen treatment methods for wounds are reviewed, and the oxygen supply principle and construction of artificial photosynthesis systems are described. Finally, research progress on the photosynthetic oxygen production system to promote wound healing is summarized.

Keywords: Chronic wounds; Hypoxia; Hypoxia environment; Oxygen therapy; Photosynthesis; Wound healing.

Figure 1

Relationship between chronic wounds and a hypoxic environment. (1) Oxygenase catalyzes the production of oxidants by consuming large amounts of oxygen. (2) Collagen formation and fibroblast proliferation are oxygen dependent. (3) A disrupted vascular supply immediately obstructs oxygen delivery to the wound. (4) Angiogenesis during endothelial cell differentiation also consumes large amounts of oxygen. ROS reactive oxygen species

Figure 2

Principle of oxygen production through photosynthesis and composition of photosynthetic oxygen production systems