Current Trends in the Clinical Application of Tissue-engineered Scaffolds for Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Narrative Review

This narrative review discusses the clinical application of tissue-engineered scaffolds for cutaneous wound healing, highlighting their potential to improve outcomes over conventional dressings. The review categorizes scaffolds based on materials (biologically derived tissues, natural and synthetic polymers, and composites) and fabrication technologies (electrospinning, 3D bioprinting, nanotechnology). Clinical evidence shows that scaffolds can achieve outcomes comparable to standard care, with some trials indicating superior results in healing speed, wound-area reduction, scar quality, and pain reduction, while mostly causing mild adverse events. However, challenges such as limited cellular infiltration, inadequate vascularization, and infection remain. Future directions include developing smart, functionally graded skin substitutes to better replicate native skin structure and function.