Modern Honey-Based Delivery Systems for Wound Healing: A Review of Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Source abstract
Abstract
Honey is a multifunctional therapeutic agent in wound management with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and tissue-regenerative properties. Direct application is limited by high viscosity, variability in composition and instability of bioactive compounds. Advances in biomaterials engineering have enabled the development of honey-based delivery platforms such as nanoparticles, electrospun nanofibers and hydrogels, which improve stability, retention at the wound site and provide controlled release. The review offers a comprehensive overview of honey’s wound-healing mechanisms, evaluates diverse delivery strategies and compares their structural and functional characteristics. Nanoparticles enable targeted delivery and synergistic antimicrobial effects, electrospun mats mimic the extracellular matrix with tunable porosity and hydrogels maintain a moist healing environment with high adaptability. Key challenges include achieving standardization, enhancing mechanical properties and optimizing sterilization methods. Future perspectives emphasize integrating honey-based systems with smart sensors, advanced bioprinting and multifunctional composites to achieve personalized and responsive wound care.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Bee Products Chemical Analysis · Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
Division of Rural Sciences and Food Systems, Institute of Earth Systems, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Metabolic Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 1, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
Funding
National Science Centre, Poland
References (100+)
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