Plant-Derived Biomaterials as Sustainable Platforms for Controlled Release Dressings in Drug-Resistant Wounds

Abstract

The rising incidence of drug-resistant wound infections poses a major problem for modern healthcare, demanding innovative and sustainable solutions in wound care. Plant-based biomaterials have become promising alternatives for creating advanced wound dressings because of their natural biocompatibility, biodegradability, and rich supply of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. These natural materials, like cellulose, lignin, and various plant extracts, can be engineered into hydrogels, films, and nanofiber scaffolds that resemble the extracellular matrix and keep a moist environment that promotes tissue regeneration. Additionally, embedding controlled release systems into plant-based dressings allows for the continuous and localized delivery of therapeutic agents, specifically targeting drug-resistant bacteria while reducing systemic side effects. This strategy not only improves wound healing outcomes but also addresses the urgent demand for eco-friendly, multifunctional dressings capable of overcoming the limitations of traditional antibiotics. This review showcases recent progress in plant-based biomaterials as sustainable platforms for controlled release dressings, and  applications in Wound Healing.