Metal nanoparticles and biomaterials: The multipronged approach for potential diabetic wound therapy

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles have been widely used in the treatment of diabetic wounds owing to their proven antibacterial activity and enhanced wound healing effects. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the use of metal nanoparticles in managing diabetic wounds, mainly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and zinc nanoparticles (ZnO nanoparticles), as well as their combination with biomaterials such as chitosan, bacterial cellulose, growth factors, etc. The combination of metal nanoparticles and biomaterials reportedly halts the growth and multiplication of bacterial strains commonly involved in diabetic wounds, including gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Furthermore, these combinations have demonstrated enhanced wound healing of diabetic wounds during in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, we highlighted the barriers and challenges associated with the use of metal nanoparticles, including toxicities. Moreover, toxicities were mainly related to the method of synthesis employed, as well as the physical characteristics of nanoparticles, including size, shape, surface charge, and morphology. Collectively, dual-therapy composed of metal nanoparticles and biomaterials has been shown to promote wound healing and can be developed as a promising future therapy for better outcomes in diabetic wound healing.