Nanofiber Dressings; A Quantum Leap in the World of Wound Healing

Abstract

The skin is periodically exposed to many external factors that affect it. Sometimes, these external influences can cause wounds and serious damage. In this case, the skin begins the processes of restoration, rebuilding and healing of damaged tissues, but it may face many challenges that may hinder or slow down the healing process. In order to reduce the external factors that affect the healing process of the wound and to speed up the healing process, the use of wound dressings has become the best way in treatment of wounds. Recent studies indicate that using nanofibers is the best among the other types of wound dressings and promises great healing effects and maximum wound protection. This is due to the similarity of the nanofibers structure to that of the Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM), and the structure of nanofibers providing high surface area and high porosity. Also, different types of medicines and plant extracts can be loaded in nanofibers. In addition, the electrospinning method used to manufacture nanofibers is an inexpensive and versatile method. The aim of this review article is to give brief information on the nanofibers as wound dressing biomaterials and their advantages over traditional dressings. Recently loading the nanofibers with various plant extracts to take advantage of plant extracts’ significant healing, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is subject of many studies. Also, some recent studies on this topic were discussed in this review