Chronic wounds represent a major clinical challenge due to persistent inflammation, infection, and impaired tissue regeneration. This narrative review aims to critically evaluate recent advances in multifunctional biomaterial-based therapeutic strategies, with a focus on tri-modal systems combining exosomes, hydrogel scaffolds, and silver nanoparticles for enhanced wound healing. Relevant literature was identified through structured searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2026 using combinations of the terms “exosomes,” “extracellular vesicles,” “hydrogel,” “silver nanoparticles,” “AgNPs,” “wound healing,” “nanocomposites,” and “biomaterials.” Primary studies were prioritized, particularly recent and mechanistically informative reports, while selected review articles and landmark publications were included to provide context. Studies not directly related to wound healing or lacking relevance to the tri-modal therapeutic framework were excluded from the core synthesis. Recent advances demonstrate that exosomes, hydrogels, and silver nanoparticles each contribute distinct therapeutic benefits to wound healing. Exosomes provide bioactive signaling molecules that regulate inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Hydrogels serve as three-dimensional matrices enabling sustained, localized delivery of therapeutic agents. Silver nanoparticles offer potent antimicrobial activity. Their integration into tri-modal platforms enables complementary modulation of the wound microenvironment, effective infection control, and enhanced tissue repair. Key mechanistic interactions, material design considerations, and therapeutic outcomes from recent studies are critically discussed. However, challenges related to scalability, reproducibility, safety, and clinical translation remain significant. Importantly, the evidence discussed in this review is derived predominantly from preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, and clinical efficacy and safety remain to be established. Tri-modal biomaterial systems represent a promising and conceptually advanced approach in regenerative medicine for chronic wound management. Although not yet clinically approved, these integrated platforms have substantial potential to improve therapeutic outcomes, contingent upon overcoming current translational and regulatory challenges.
This study evaluated the antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects of oleanolic acid (OA)- and asiatic acid (AA)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) compared to their free compounds. The α-amylase inhibitory assay was conducted using a standard protocol, and glucose quantification in HepG2 cells was evaluated using an Accu-Chek Active glucose meter under intermittent and non-fasting conditions. Cytotoxicity was assessed on HepG2, HEK293, and Caco-2 cell lines using the MTT assay. OA and AA were docked at the active sites of an α-amylase receptor, 3BAJ, and an α-glucosidase receptor, 5NN8. The proteins were prepared using the Protein Preparation Wizard and LigPrep modules in the Schrödinger suite, employing the OPLS4 force field. Docking was performed using standard precision (SP) and extra precision (XP) methods, and the binding free energy was calculated using the MMGBSA method. The complexes of OA, AA, acarbose, and the unbound (APO) protein were solvated using the system builder package on the Schrodinger suite. Both OA- and AA-loaded SLNs and their free compounds showed α-amylase inhibitory properties with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the SLN formulations and their free compounds. The IC50 values were 39.41 µM for OA, 42.26 µM for OA-loaded SLNs, and 17.81 µM for acarbose. In contrast, the IC50 values were 143.85 for AA, 112.75 for AA-loaded SLNs, and 30.21 µM for acarbose. Treatments with HGMet, OA25, OA-SLNs25, OA50, OA-SLNs50, and AA-SLNs50 reduced glucose concentrations in the treatment medium (P < 0.05). Similarly, glucose levels were significantly reduced in the culture medium with HGMet-IF, OA-IF25, OA-SLNs-IF25, AA-IF25, OA-IF50, OA-SLNs-IF50, AA-IF50, and AA-SLNs-IF50 treatments (P < 0.05). OA- and AA-loaded SLNs and their free compounds showed little or no toxicity in HepG2, HEK293, and Caco-2 cell lines. Molecular docking scores of OA showed weaker binding affinity to α-amylase and α-glucosidase than AA, with acarbose having the strongest binding affinity. All protein-ligand complexes were stable, as indicated by RMSD values below 2.0 Å and relatively low RMSF values. OA- and AA-loaded SLNs and their free compounds showed α-amylase inhibitory potential and reduced glucose concentration in the treatment medium, suggesting improved glucose uptake with low cytotoxicity. These results support the antidiabetic properties of SLNs loaded with OA and AA and highlight the need to further evaluate their efficacy and safety.
Cancer is a group of diseases caused by dysregulation of pathways governing the cell cycle, DNA repair, metabolism, apoptosis, and microRNA expression, among others. It is the second-leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease. Early detection and targeted drug delivery with low toxicity towards normal cells are key elements of cancer cell ablation. However, despite tremendous advances in modern cancer therapies, shortcomings such as reduced bioavailability, chronic pain, and adverse health effects impede their efficiency. These challenges have spurred alternative research directions in cancer treatment. Nanotechnology is an emerging field with vast possibilities for biomedical applications. Metal oxide nanoparticles offer enormous potential as agents for diagnosing and treating malignancies. Zn is a ubiquitous trace element that plays a significant role in biological processes. Nanoparticles developed using zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) are biocompatible, biodegradable, and low-toxicity, with promising potential as anticancer agents. Their anticancer potential stems from their ability to trigger ROS production, induce apoptosis, target cancer cells for drug delivery, and prevent cancer recurrence and metastasis. This review explores the dysregulated mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis, the anti-proliferative activity of ZnO NPs, and their proficiency in target drug delivery to tumour cells, using Google Scholar®, SciFinder® and PubMed® as search engines. Additionally, the potential shortcomings and prospects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in cancer treatment strategies are discussed.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies that overcome the limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy. Engineered exosome-based nanocarriers have emerged as a promising next-generation platform for targeted drug delivery in cardiovascular disorders. Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles naturally secreted by cells and possess intrinsic biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, prolonged circulation, and inherent tissue-targeting capabilities. These features distinguish them from synthetic nanocarriers such as liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. Recent advances in exosome engineering have enabled efficient cargo loading of small molecules, nucleic acids, proteins, and CRISPR components through techniques including electroporation, sonication, membrane fusion, and genetic modification of donor cells. Surface functionalization strategies, such as ligand conjugation and peptide display, further enhance cardiac-specific targeting and therapeutic precision. Preclinical studies demonstrate significant cardioprotective effects in myocardial infarction, attenuation of inflammation in atherosclerosis, reduction of fibrosis in heart failure, and improved angiogenesis in ischemic injury models. Despite encouraging experimental outcomes, major translational challenges persist, including scalable manufacturing, standardization of isolation and purification methods, cargo loading efficiency, storage stability, regulatory classification, and long-term biosafety evaluation. Addressing these barriers through interdisciplinary collaboration and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards will be critical for successful clinical translation. Overall, engineered exosome-based nanocarriers represent a transformative strategy in cardiovascular drug delivery, with the potential to advance precision medicine and improve therapeutic outcomes in CVD management.
In the era of comprehensive diabetes management, fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) utilising distinct mechanisms and complementary modes of action have emerged as effective treatment options. These combinations help reduce pill burden and enhance patient compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of an FDC comprising Sitagliptin (100 mg), Dapagliflozin (10 mg), and Metformin (500 mg) in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This prospective observational study included T2DM patients with inadequate glycaemic control, defined as HbA1c > 7
