Polymer-Based Wound Dressing Materials Loaded with Bioactive Agents: Potential Materials for the Treatment of Diabetic Wounds

Sibusiso Alven, Sijongesonke Peter, Zintle Mbese, Blessing A. Aderibigbe

 

Diabetes is a chronic condition with a high incidence of mortality and numerous complications that include diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) [1]. In 2013, it was reported that approximately 366 million individuals suffered from diabetes worldwide and in 2019, 1.5 million deaths were caused by diabetes [2]. Diabetes is a medical condition due to the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin or the inability of the body to effectively use the insulin produced [3]. Diabetic patients usually suffer from chronic injuries such as DFU and diabetic ulcers/leg ulcers. These wounds display features of a prolonged wound healing process and result in hospitalization and limb amputations [4]. About 50–70% of limb amputations are caused by diabetic injuries, and it has been reported globally that one leg is amputated every 30 s because of diabetic wounds … read more