Work

Advanced Grafting Biomaterials and Technologies in Chronic Wound Care: Mechanisms, Clinical Outcomes, and Therapeutic Integration

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Chronic wounds remain a major clinical and economic burden due to persistent inflammation, impaired perfusion, microbial biofilms, and dysregulated immune responses that collectively stall epithelialization. Polymicrobial bacterial–fungal biofilms, including Candida species, further delay healing by sustaining inflammation and promoting treatment-resistant infection. Recent advances have accelerated the development of bioengineered skin substitutes, collagen matrices, and placental-derived grafts that modulate macrophage polarization, reactive oxygen species signaling, and extracellular matrix remodeling to restore tissue architecture and promote neovascularization. Their effectiveness, however, depends on integration within structured care pathways that emphasize debridement, moisture balance, and infection control. Artificial intelligence, three-dimensional bioprinting, flexible microelectronic sensors for real-time wound monitoring, and bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine, are expanding the therapeutic landscape. Together, these innovations support a shift toward predictive, personalized, and regenerative wound-care strategies. This review aims to provide a mechanistic and clinically contextualized overview of advanced grafting biomaterials, highlighting current applications, limitations, and future directions in chronic wound care.

Source: Journal of Functional Biomaterials

DOI: 10.3390/jfb17050239

Authors: Albert D. Luong, Moorthy Maruthapandi, John H. T. Luong

Institutions: Bar-Ilan University, University College Cork

Language: English

Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258