Advances in Chronic Wound Management: The Role of Antibiofilm-Based Wound Dressings and Theranostic Innovations

Chronic wounds pose a significant public health challenge, costing Medicare over $30 billion annually, and are often resistant to conventional treatments due to biofilms. Biofilms, responsible for over 65% of persistent bacterial infections, complicate wound healing. Traditional antibiofilm treatments face issues like low compliance, resistance, and high costs. Advances in nanotechnology have led to nanoparticle-based dressings that effectively target biofilms, offering controlled release and reduced side effects. Theranostic dressings, combining therapeutic and diagnostic functions, provide precise drug delivery and real-time monitoring. Despite their potential, challenges remain in improving medicinal applications, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Future efforts should focus on eco-friendly materials, insurance access, and combination treatments to enhance chronic wound care.