Abstract

EMERGING STRATEGIES IN CHRONIC WOUND CARE: BIOFILM-FOCUSED TREATMENTS, NANOTECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED DRESSINGS, AND THERANOSTIC APPROACHES

Md. Tanvir, Atul Kumar Prasad, Tichakunda Xavier Mharazanye, Maniket, Abu Sufiyan Ansari, Md. Nazir Hussain, Md. Shamim Ahmad*

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Abstract

Background-Chronic wounds cost billions of dollars a year, making them a significant and expanding public health concern. The existence of bacterial biofilms—structured colonies of microorganisms coated in a protective matrix—makes their control considerably more difficult. Due to the high levels of resistance these biofilms impart to host immune responses and antimicrobial drugs, traditional treatments are usually unsuccessful and a state of non-healing is maintained. Purpose-The key role that biofilms play in the pathophysiology of chronic wounds is examined in this review, along with the shortcomings of the anti-biofilm techniques that are currently in use. It also looks at the novel ways that theranostic and nanotechnology-based dressings may be used to address these issues. Methods-To clarify the workings of biofilm resistance, the effectiveness of conventional anti-biofilm agents, and the advancement of advanced wound care technologies, such as integrated diagnostic-therapeutic platforms and nanoparticle systems, a thorough review of the literature was carried out. Results-Most chronic wound infections are linked to biofilms, which promote inflammation and hinder the healing process. Despite having antimicrobial qualities, well-known anti-biofilm substances like silver & iodine are limited in their effectiveness by problems including cytotoxicity, resistance to microbial agents, and insufficient penetration. A possible substitute is provided by dressings based on nanoparticles, which allow for more effective medication administration, improved biofilm matrix penetration, and less adverse effects due to regulated release. Theranostic dressings also mark a paradigm change by enabling focused therapeutic action in conjunction with real-time wound environment monitoring. Conclusion-The treatment of chronic wounds linked to biofilms might be completely transformed by advanced wound dressings, especially those that make use of nanotechnology and theranostic properties. To incorporate these creative solutions into routine care procedures, future research must concentrate on removing translational obstacles such as long-term safety assessment, economical production, and validation through extensive clinical trials.

Keywords: Chronic wounds, Biofilms, Nanoparticle-based dressings, Theranostic wound care, Advanced wound management.