Nanomaterial interventions for wound healing: Current status of preclinical and clinical studies

Wound healing is a complex, highly coordinated process involving a series of molecular and cellular phases—haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. These phases are regulated by growth factors such as cytokines and chemokines, coordinating the actions of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, progenitor, and endothelial cells. Disruptions in this process can lead to chronic wounds, an escalating global health issue. Despite advancements, current wound healing technologies face several limitations. Conventional dressings often fail to provide optimal moisture balance, leading to delayed healing. Bioengineered skin substitutes and growth factor therapies, while promising, are restricted by high costs, limited availability, immune rejection, and inconsistent efficacy. Moreover, infection control remains a significant challenge, necessitating alternative strategies that can enhance antimicrobial protection while promoting tissue regeneration. In response, nanotechnology has emerged as a potential game-changer in wound care, offering precise targeting of cells and regulatory molecules, enhanced therapeutic delivery, and tailored interaction with the wound environment. This review explores the role of nanomaterials in wound healing, emphasising their unique physicochemical properties and ability to promote tissue regeneration. We provide an overview of recent advances in nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, nanoengineered scaffolds, and gene and stem cell therapies. Additionally, we highlight the preclinical and clinical advancements of nanotechnology-based treatments, aiming to address the limitations of traditional wound care strategies.