Microenvironment-Based Diabetic Foot Ulcer Nanomedicine

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are chronic wounds complicated by factors like hyperglycemia and infection. Current treatments are often inadequate, leading researchers to explore nanotechnology. Nanotechnology offers potential solutions through targeted drug delivery and materials that directly promote healing, forming the basis of 'DFU nanomedicine'. This review summarizes the characteristics of the DFU microenvironment and nanotechnology-based strategies to remodel this environment, aiming to inspire the development of more effective treatments.

• 1
  The review highlights the complex microenvironment of DFUs, characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperinflammation, persistent infection, hypoxia, and high protease activity, all hindering the normal wound healing process.
• 2
  Nanomedical strategies targeting these microenvironmental factors, such as blood glucose downregulation, inflammation control, infection management, and angiogenesis regulation, are summarized.
• 3
  The review discusses specific nanostrategies for modulating the microenvironment and the existence of limitations.