Marine-Derived Polysaccharide Nanofibers for Wound Healing: Mechanistic Rationale, Biofabrication Strategies, and Translational Barriers

Marine-derived polysaccharide nanofibers, such as those made from alginate and chitosan, show promise as advanced wound dressings due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. These nanofibers support wound healing by promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration, while also providing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. They regulate key molecular pathways involved in healing, such as NF-κB for inflammation and VEGF for angiogenesis. Despite their potential, challenges like material heterogeneity, mechanical fragility, and regulatory hurdles impede clinical translation. The review calls for standardization, in vivo evidence, and manufacturable designs to advance these materials from preclinical models to clinical applications.