12. Integrated Biomaterial Composites for Accelerated Wound Healing

Biomaterials, ranging from basic cellulose-based systems to advanced superabsorbent peptidic hydrogels, form an inherent component of wound dressings currently under research and in clinical practice. Given the inflamed, open, and moist nature of wounds, the damaged dermal layers are exposed both to internal (inflammatory cytokines) and external (infection) factors requiring immediate localized intervention which can provide therapeutic action and environmental protection. Although several biomaterials conform to one or more prerequisites of a wound dressing such as hydration balance, biomimicry with the underlying tissue, cell adhesion, antiinfective properties, water vapor and gas transmission, bioresorbability and controlled biodegradation, porous architecture, and easy clinical and processing handling, a “single” biomaterial fulfilling “all-of-the-above” characteristics is yet to be discovered. This chapter provides a concise description of recent developments in integrated biomaterial archetypes—such as multipolymeric systems, composite nanofibrous structures, and inorganically modified polymer networks—encompassing “most-of-the-above” wound dressing desirabilities.