Delivery of antibacterial agents for wound healing applications using polysaccharide-based scaffolds

Skin is the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Any serious damage to this organ can lead to bacterial invasion and wound infection. Such infections can cause not only a delay in the healing process, but also more serious complications such as tissue necrosis or even sepsis, which can lead to life-threatening con-ditions. Therefore, wound management is a clinically critical issue. In this regard, scaffolds containing anti-bacterial nanobiomaterials or other agents have emerged as effective methods for reducing wound bacterial colonization and infection, thus enhancing wound healing. Because of their immunological safety, biodegrad-ability and non-toxicity, polysaccharide-based scaffolds have piqued the interest of researchers for the delivery of antibacterial agents and nanobiomaterials for wound healing applications. This review focuses on antibacterial nanobiomaterials and agents, as well as their delivery via polysaccharide-based scaffolds for wound healing applications.