Opportunities and challenges for antimicrobial nanostructured materials in the management of skin infections

Abstract

The management of skin and soft-tissue infections represents a burden for healthcare systems worldwide, demanding additional scientific efforts. Despite combined advances in modern medicine from different disciplines, chronic non-healing topical wounds still represent an unresolved clinical challenge. Nanotechnology has contributed significantly to the development of advanced therapeutic and diagnostic approaches in wound care. From this perspective, recommendations on the design of nano-based approaches for the management of infected non-healing chronic wounds are suggested. Preclinical results have demonstrated that nanostructured antimicrobial-loaded dressings and hydrogels can reduce the pathogenic bioburden and can restore the wound’s physiological balance. Future clinical trials that ensure meaningful results are recommended.