Electrospun Nanofibers from Plant Natural Products: A New Approach Toward Efficient Wound Healing

Int J Nanomedicine. 2024 Dec 27:19:13973-13990. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S501970. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Globally, wound care has become a significant burden on public health, with annual medical costs reaching billions of dollars, particularly for the long-term treatment of chronic wounds. Traditional treatments, such as gauze and bandages, often fail to provide an ideal healing environment due to their lack of effective biological activity. Consequently, researchers have increasingly focused on developing new dressings. Among these, electrospinning technology has garnered considerable attention for its ability to produce nano-scale fine fibers. This new type of dressing, with its unique physical and chemical properties-especially in enhancing breathability, increasing specific surface area, optimising porosity, and improving flexibility-demonstrates significant advantages in promoting wound healing, reducing the risk of infection, and improving overall healing outcomes. Additionally, the application of natural products from plants in electrospinning technology further enhances the effectiveness of dressings. These natural products not only exhibit good biocompatibility but are also rich in pharmacologically active ingredients, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds. They can serve as both the substrate for nanofibers and as bioactive components, effectively promoting cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, thereby accelerating wound healing and reducing the risk of complications. This article reviews the application of plant natural product nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technology in wound healing, focussing on the development and optimisation of these nanofibers, discussing the advantages and challenges of using plant natural products in this technology, and outlining future research directions and application prospects in this field.

Keywords: electrospinning; nanofibers; plant-derived natural products; wound healing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bandages*
  • Biological Products* / chemistry
  • Biological Products* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Nanofibers* / chemistry
  • Wound Healing* / drug effects

Substances

  • Biological Products

Grants and funding

Supported by The First Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine) of the second batch of “Outstanding Young Talents” program; Yunnan Traditional Chinese Medicine (Spleen and Stomach Diseases) Clinical Medical Center.