Skin is the body’s first line of defense against external injuries and diseases. The skin has three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Wounds can be acute or chronic, with chronic wounds requiring a longer healing period. The healing process involves four stages: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Each stage is crucial for the wound to heal properly.
Recently, natural biopolymers have gained attention for their potential use in wound dressing. These biopolymers are biocompatible, biodegradable, and can mimic the native extracellular matrix. Examples of natural biopolymers include keratin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and silk. These biopolymers can be processed into various forms, such as nanofibers, hydrogels, and films, to create wound dressings with desired properties.
Researchers have been exploring the use of natural biopolymers in wound dressing, including keratin-based dressings, collagen-hyaluronic acid-based dressings, and silk-based dressings. These dressings have shown promise in improving wound healing and reducing scar tissue formation. However, more studies are needed to fully explore the potential of natural biopolymers in wound dressing.