Abstract

Wound healing is a multi-phase biological process often disrupted in chronic wounds. Scaffold-based therapies have advanced significantly, with newer techniques mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) to support tissue regeneration. Biological scaffolds provide natural bioactivity, while synthetic scaffolds offer tailored strength and controlled degradation. Emerging innovations include hybrid scaffolds that blend natural and synthetic polymers for optimal performance, nanotechnology-enhanced scaffolds for targeted drug delivery, and smart scaffolds that respond to wound stimuli like pH and infection. Clinically, these advancements have shown promise in managing diabetic foot ulcers, burns, and surgical wounds. This review summarises current scaffold technologies, their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and emerging trends to improve wound healing outcomes.

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