Collagen-Formulated Delivery Systems for Chronic Wounds: A New Roadmap

The process of wound healing is driven by complex regulation by several important elements, including the extracellular matrix (ECM)-rich wound environment [ 1 , 2 ]. Fibrous components (viz., collagen and elastin) and glycoprotein components (viz., fibronectin, proteoglycans, and laminins) are among the complex macromolecules that make up the ECM [ 3 , 4 ]. Each of these molecules works in concert with the tissue growth, repair, and function. The process of wound repair is intricate and can be broadly divided into four phases: hemostasis; inflammation; proliferation (cellular infiltration, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization); and maturation/remodeling [ 1 ]. These processes occur in a sequence of events but overlap. Hemostasis, inflammation, and angiogenesis are important phases of wound healing that are responsive to collagen and the ECM [ 1 , 4 ].