Ultrasound-activable piezoelectric membranes for accelerating wound healing

Piezoelectric membranes activated by ultrasound waves can provide electrical stimulation to promote wound healing.

Clinical Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Pediatric Dentistry

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a fibrin matrix in which platelet cytokines, growth factors, and cells are trapped and may be released after a certain time and that can serve as a resorbable membrane. It can be obtained from blood with the help of a simple process. PRF is basically a concentrate of growth factors that promote wound healing and regeneration, which is used in various disciplines of dentistry to repair various lesions and regenerate dental and oral tissues. Although the use of PRF is well-documented, its use in pediatric dentistry remains unexplored, due to its restrictions and on account of the fact that it is a blood-derived product. PRF has been used globally to enhance tissue healing. This article provides an insight into the use of PRF in pediatric dentistry, its benefits, limitations, and recommendations.

Biomimetic Hydrogels to Promote Wound Healing

Wound healing is a common physiological process which consists of a sequence of molecular and cellular events that occur following the onset of a tissue lesion in order to reconstitute barrier between body and external environment. The inherent properties of hydrogels allow the damaged tissue to heal by supporting a hydrated environment which has long been explored in wound management to aid in autolytic debridement. However, chronic non-healing wounds require added therapeutic features that can be achieved by incorporation of biomolecules and supporting cells to promote faster and better healing outcomes. In recent decades, numerous hydrogels have been developed and modified to match the time scale for distinct stages of wound healing. This review will discuss the effects of various types of hydrogels on wound pathophysiology, as well as the ideal characteristics of hydrogels for wound healing, crosslinking mechanism, fabrication techniques and design considerations of hydrogel engineering. Finally, several challenges related to adopting hydrogels to promote wound healing and future perspectives are discussed.