Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery Systems of Phytochemicals to Enhance and Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing Processes

Abstract: This review explores the mechanistic and translational potential of nanotechnology-based delivery systems for natural compounds in diabetic wound healing. Diabetic wounds present a persistent challenge due to impaired tissue regeneration and chronic inflammation. Phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative properties but are limited by low bioavailability and stability. Nanoparticle formulations—particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and chitosan-based nanoparticles (CNPs)—offer innovative solutions by enhancing stability, tissue penetration, and sustained release of these bioactives. Our analysis highlights how these nanocarriers facilitate targeted delivery, thereby amplifying antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effects, and tissue regeneration mechanisms critical for wound healing. The review underscores the mechanistic insights into how nanoparticle systems improve therapeutic efficacy and discusses their translational potential in clinical settings. Notably, AgNPs’ antimicrobial properties and green synthesis, along with CNPs’ biocompatibility and bioadhesive characteristics, position these nanomaterials as promising candidates for advancing diabetic wound care. This synthesis of current evidence emphasizes nanotechnology’s role in overcoming the limitations of natural compounds and advancing sustainable, effective treatments for diabetic wounds. The infographic highlights nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems for phytochemicals to improve diabetic wound healing. Polyphenols and flavonoids provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects but face challenges like poor bioavailability and stability. Diabetic wounds suffer from oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and infection. Nanoparticle-based systems enhance stability, bioavailability, targeted delivery and sustained release. Types include metallic (gold, silver, zinc oxide), polymeric (PLGA, chitosan, gelatin) and lipid-based nanoparticles (liposome, solid lipid). These systems offer antimicrobial, antioxidant and pro-angiogenic effects, with versatile, biocompatible properties and high bioavailability. They improve diabetic wound healing by reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammation, controlling infection, enhancing angiogenesis and speeding tissue regeneration.An infographic on nanocarrier systems for polyphenols and flavonoids in diabetic wound healing. Keywords: nanotechnology, diabetic wound healing, phytochemicals, nanoparticles, therapeutic efficacy