Objective: The objective of the study was to inform wound care practitioners of mesenchymal stem cell application for nonhealing wounds. Recent advances in delivery systems are also discussed in order to highlight potential improvements toward clinical application of stem cell therapy for chronic wounds.
Data sources: MEDLINE and PubMed Central were searched for scientific studies regarding the use of mesenchymal stem cells and delivery systems in wound healing.
Study selection: Preclinical studies using stem cells as therapeutic modality for chronic wounds were selected for this review.
Data extraction: Information on study design, sample size and characteristics, stem cell source, type of delivery systems, and rate and time of wound closure was abstracted.
Data synthesis: Application of mesenchymal stem cells improved wound healing in experimental and clinical settings. Advances in stem cell therapy and delivery vehicles offer promising alternatives to current limited therapeutic modalities for chronic wounds.
Conclusions: Stem cell therapy has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for nonhealing wounds. Further research is needed to evaluate the relationship between the various delivery systems and stem cells in order to maximize their therapeutic effects. Development of novel delivery vehicles for stem cells can open new opportunities for more effective cell therapy of chronic wounds.