Essential oil-loaded biopolymeric films for wound healing applications

Wound dressings are the formulations that promote the biosynthetic environment of the wound surface. They are of utmost importance in chronic wounds. Chronic wounds increase the morbidity of the patients. It also puts a financial burden on the governments, especially developing nations. However, the problem is persistent in developed countries too. Hence, governments across the globe invest a considerable amount of money in wound healing research. The wound dressing formulations are broadly classified as passive and biologically active wound dressings. Among the various types of biologically active wound dressings, the wound dressing formulations that are loaded with essential oils (EOs) have received much attention. This is because EOs can promote wound healing by various mechanisms. EOs may enhance granulation tissue formation and reepithelialization. It may also help manage the bacterial load at the wound surface. Unfortunately, the EOs are volatile liquids and are difficult to handle. In this regard, EOs loaded in biopolymeric matrices have been explored as wound dressings. In this chapter, the wound healing mechanism and mechanism of biological activities of EOs have been discussed. Further, some of the applications of EO-loaded biopolymeric matrices have also been compiled.