RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Chronic ulcers represent a significant challenge for patients with compromised microcirculation. As a novel branch of research, catalytic nanomedicine has exhibited promising outcomes with the development of nanostructured composites designed to disinfect and improve the healing of chronic wounds through the incorporation of bionanocatalysts within gel matrices. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of bionanocatalysts on 4 patients suffering from chronic venous ulcers, which had previously been indicated for lower extremity amputation. METHODS: Bionanocatalysts were synthesized and incorporated into a gel matrix. Monthly debridement was conducted with the objective of completely removing nonviable tissue. The bionanocatalyst-embedded gel was applied every other day, covering the entire wound surface and secured with a secondary dressing. RESULTS: Encouragingly, all cases exhibited complete wound closure, and patients reported no adverse side effects. CONCLUSION: These findings offer robust support for the utilization of this technology in wound healing and prompt a reevaluation of the hypothesis regarding the mechanism of action of bionanocatalysts in chronic wounds. Future research endeavors should aim to quantitatively assess the bionanocatalysts' influence on the trajectory of wound healing, as well as address the myriad challenges associated with managing chronic wounds.

Assuntos

Úlcera Varicosa , Humanos , Úlcera Varicosa/cirurgia , Nanomedicina , Cicatrização , Bandagens , Amputação Cirúrgica

RESUMO

Chronic ulcers are a major public health problem, due to their chronic nature, their poor response to treatment, the high frequency of recurrences, and their affection to the patient's quality of life. Even with the development of new therapies in the field of chronic wound care, chronic ulcers remain a clinical problem. As a novel branch of research, Catalytic Nanomedicine has offered promising results in disinfection and treatment of chronic wounds through the use of bionanocatalysts, organically functionalized mesoporous nanostructured materials with catalytic properties. Particularly, Cu/TiO2-SiO2 mixed oxide bionanocatalysts have shown favorable results for chronic ulcer healing. In this work, we present the treatment of 15 patients (8 females and 7 males, mean age of 69.59 ± 12.07 years old) affected with chronic ulcers (wound age ranging from 4 months to 10 years old, mean size of 12.94 ± 18.20 cm2) by the administration of Cu/TiO2-SiO2 bionanocatalysts embedded in a nanoemulsion matrix. In all cases, complete epithelialization and healing of the lesions was achieved (healing time from 3 to 35 weeks), without the appearance of side effects. Wound healing time was analyzed in the context of initial wound size, wound's age, patient's age, and concomitant conditions, being wound size and patient's age the main factor affecting the duration of the treatment with the bionanocatalysts.