Nanoparticles – polyphenol and flavonoid plants for diabetic wounds

Diabetic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), represent a major clinical challenge due to impaired healing processes driven by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, infection, and insufficient angiogenesis. Conventional therapies remain limited in addressing these multifactorial mechanisms, highlighting the need for more effective therapeutic strategies. Polyphenols and flavonoids have gained attention as natural bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-angiogenic properties. However, their clinical application is hindered by poor bioavailability, low stability, and limited tissue penetration. This study presents a structured narrative review of recent advances in nanoparticle-based delivery systems for polyphenols and flavonoids in diabetic wound healing. Literature was systematically collected from major databases (ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and PubMed) covering publications from 2020 to 2025. The review provides a mechanistic analysis of diabetic wound pathophysiology and highlights how nanocarrier systems can enhance therapeutic outcomes by improving drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. Comparative analysis of nanocarrier systems, including metallic, polymeric, lipid-based nanoparticles, and nanohydrogels, reveals distinct advantages in addressing specific wound conditions. Furthermore, this review proposes a mechanism-based framework linking wound microenvironment characteristics with optimal nanocarrier design. Overall, nanoparticle-based delivery systems significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of polyphenols and flavonoids, offering a promising strategy for diabetic wound management. Future research should focus on design-driven optimization, safety evaluation, and clinical translation to fully realize their potential.