Abstract

A wound refers to the epithelial loss, accompanied by loss of muscle fibers collagen, nerves and bone instigated by surgery, trauma, frictions or by heat. Process of wound healing is a compounded activity of recovering the functional integrity of the damaged tissues. This process is mediated by various cytokines and growth factors usually liberated at the wound site. A plethora of herbal and synthetic drugs, as well as photodynamic therapy, is available to facilitate the process of wound healing. Generally, the systems used for the management of wounds tend to act through covering the ruptured site, reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent the invasion and growth of microorganisms. The available systems are, though, enough to meet these requirements, but the involvement of nanotechnology can ameliorate the performance of these protective coverings. In recent years, nano-based formulations have gained immense popularity among researchers for the wound healing process due to the enhanced benefits they offer over the conventional preparations. Hereupon, this review aims to cover the entire roadmap of wound healing, beginning from the molecular factors involved in the process, the various synthetic and herbal agents, and combination therapy available for the treatment and the current nano-based systems available for delivery through the topical route for wound healing.

Keywords: Platelet-derived growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, herbal therapeutics, curcumin, combination therapy, metallic nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carrier.