Natural Bioactive-Based Advanced Wound Dressings for Diabetic Wound Healing: A Systematic Review of Emerging Biomaterial Platforms

This systematic review evaluates natural bioactive-based advanced wound dressings for diabetic wound healing, focusing on hydrogels, hydrocolloids, and nanofibers. From 14 studies, these dressings demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-angiogenic, and re-epithelialization effects, utilizing compounds like curcumin and chitosan. They modulate molecular pathways to reduce inflammation and enhance healing. Despite promising results, translational readiness is limited, with hydrogels and nanosystems showing the most potential. Challenges include scalability and regulatory compliance. Future research should focus on standardized models and scalable biomaterial designs to facilitate clinical application.