Antibacterial and wound healing applications of curcumin in micro and nano-scaffolds based on chitosan, cellulose, and collagen

Abstract

About 80% higher risk of amputation resulting from microbial infection was indicated for patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Micro and nano-scaffolds made of natural polymers specifically cellulose, chitosan, and collagen can donate the biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioavailability properties appropriate to accelerate wound closure before microbial biofilm formation. The antimicrobial activity of these wound dressings can be improved by the incorporation of bioactive compounds extracted from medicinal plant species such as curcumin. Low water solubility and poor bioavailability are recognized as two main disadvantages of curcumin, lipophilic phytopolyphenol, which could be controlled by targeted polymeric micro and nano-scaffolds. Consequently, this review has discussed the capacity and challenges of these types of formulations according to recent investigations.