Bioengineered nanoparticles for targeted topical delivery in wound healing: advances and future outlook
Ankita Sood, Vaidehi Patwardhan, Suraja Kumar Nayak, Srinidhi Chintalapani, Sachin Mandal, Kulbhushan Tikoo
Abstract
The convergence of nanoscale engineering and biomimetics is revolutionizing wound care by enabling the development of bioengineered nanoparticles with exceptional therapeutic precision. This review synthesizes recent advances in nanoparticle-based interventions that mimic biological systems for targeted, controlled, and stage-specific wound healing. Innovations covered include receptor-specific ligand conjugation, bioactive scaffolds, nucleic acid-based systems, microenvironment-responsive nanomaterials, stimuli-activated metal nanoparticles, biosensing platforms, and exosome-mimicking systems. These approaches offer enhanced modulation of the wound microenvironment and promote tissue regeneration, addressing major drawbacks of conventional therapies. Therapeutic efficacy is critically evaluated using data from recent in vitro and in vivo studies. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, covering publications from January 2015 to June 2025. Relevant studies were selected based on their focus on nanoparticle-based wound-healing strategies, bioengineering innovations, and translational potential. The review also discusses challenges such as biocompatibility, biodistribution, manufacturing scalability, and regulatory hurdles that limit clinical adoption. Finally, this review explores the future paradigm of personalized nanotherapeutics, tailored to individual patient pathophysiology. By summarizing current developments and forecasting future directions, this review highlights the transformative role of bioengineered nanoparticles in next-generation wound healing and regenerative medicine.