Electrospun nanofibers of carbohydrate polymers for neoteric wound dressing: a review

The global demand for wound dressing material has increased, and conventional dressings are unable to meet needs due to various limitations. Researchers have recently turned to electrospinning, a versatile and straightforward method, to address these limitations. Due to its intrinsic qualities, which include a remarkable similarity to the extracellular matrix, researchers have focused their attention on electrospun nanofibrous dressings. Drug-infused electrospun nanofibers are emerging as a potential alternative for wound dressings. Also, substantial surface area in relation to volume, porosity, similarity to the skin's extracellular matrix, and a sequential electrospinning process that facilitates the continuous release of drugs are other points to consider. At the same time, natural carbohydrate polymers possess distinctive characteristics, such as compatibility with biological systems, biodegradability, engaging in cell communication through signaling mechanisms, easy chemical modifications, and wide accessibility, making them desirable polymers for tissue engineering. In the process of electrospinning, various natural carbohydrate polymers have been used extensively to produce nonwoven materials. However, future active electrospun nanofiber dressing can show wound management with wound color map, pH monitoring, infection detection, and drug release capability. This review depicts the current picture of some important carbohydrate polymers, marketed products used in electrospinning, and various applications in wound dressing. [GRAPHICS]