Human Relevant Platforms for Cutaneous Wound Healing Research: Current Landscape, Translational Gaps, and Emerging Frontiers

The document discusses the limitations of traditional animal models and two-dimensional cell cultures in translating wound healing research to human contexts, particularly for chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. It reviews the development of human-relevant models, such as three-dimensional reconstructed equivalents, organoid platforms, ex vivo tissue preparations, and skin-on-a-chip systems, which aim to address these limitations. The review highlights that no single model can fully resolve the translational challenges, advocating for a combinatorial approach using complementary systems in a tiered sequence. Emerging technologies like multi-omics integration, spatial transcriptomics, and artificial intelligence are identified as promising tools for advancing wound healing research.