Wound Healing: Molecular Mechanisms, Antimicrobial Peptides, and Emerging Technologies in Regenerative Medicine
Ana Paula de Araújo Boleti, Ana Cristina Jacobowski, Breno Emanuel Farias Frihling, Maurício V. Cruz, Kristiane Fanti Del Pino Santos, Ludovico Migliolo, Lucas Rannier Melo de Andrade, Maria Lı́gia Rodrigues Macedo
Abstract
Wound healing is a dynamic process involving distinct phases that are regulated by cellular and molecular interactions. This review explores the fundamental mechanisms involved in wound healing, including the roles of cytokines and growth factors within the local microenvironment, with a particular focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as immune modulators and therapeutic agents in chronic wounds. Notably, AMPs such as LL-37 have been shown to reduce biofilm density by up to 60%, highlighting their dual role in both modulating host immune responses and combating persistent bacterial infections. It further examines emerging technologies that are transforming the field, extending beyond traditional biological mechanisms to innovations such as smart dressings, 3D bioprinting, AI-driven therapies, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and organoid models. Additionally, the review addresses strategies to overcome bacterial biofilms and highlights promising approaches including biomaterials, nanomedicine, gene therapy, peptide-loaded nanoparticles, and the application of organoids as advanced platforms for studying and enhancing wound repair.