Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are the most common complications associated with
diabetes mellitus. DFUs are displayed as open sores or wounds located on the
bottom of the foot as a secondary complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). DFUs
are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and can subsequently
lead to hospitalization and lower limb amputation if not recognized and treated
on time. An immense challenge to conventional treatments is caused by the
chronic nature of diabetic foot syndrome and it has led to the emergence of
nanotechnology-based therapeutics. The greatest advantages of these
nanotherapeutics are their unique biological, chemical, and physical properties.
The present review highlights the augmentation of bacterial infections relating
to delayed healing of DFUs and the potential of nanotherapeutics such as
polymeric nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, siRNA-based nanoparticles,
lipid nanoparticles, and nanofibers in accelerating wound healing in diabetic
foot ulcers.
Key words
Nanotechnology - diabetes mellitus - diabetic foot ulcer - wound healing - pathophysiology - nanotherapeutics