Chitosan-based functional materials combined with plant extract: A promising strategy in the stimulation of wound healing process

Chronic wounds impose a significant healthcare burden, demanding effective and biocompatible therapies. Chitosan, a natural biopolymer, holds immense potential for wound healing due to its inherent biocompatibility, hemostatic, and antimicrobial properties. However, incorporating bioactive plant extracts can further enhance its efficacy. Plant extract and natural bioactive compounds have shown the higher capability for tissue regeneration in wound healing applications due to their antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and hemostasis. The use of plant extract could be more economical as compared to synthetic drugs as well as non-toxic which can reduce the complication in tissue regeneration in chronic wound healing. However, plant extracts and extracted natural bioactive compounds have shown lower stability, bioavailability and solubility in numerous studies. To overcome these challenges in tissue regeneration applications, numerous forms of carrier are being used such as polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogels, membranes, films, sponges and nanofibers. This review comprehensively explores the anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and wound healing potential of chitosan-based biomaterials containing plant extracts.