Progress in copper-based materials for wound healing.

Chronic wounds have become the leading cause of death, particularly among diabetic patients. Chronic wounds affect ~6.5 million patients each year, according to statistics, and wound care and management incur significant financial costs. The rising prevalence of chronic wounds, combined with the limitations of current treatments, necessitates the development of new and innovative approaches to accelerate wound healing. Copper has been extensively studied for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Copper in its nanoparticle form could have better biological properties and many applications in health care.