Phytonanotherapeutic Applications of Plant Extract-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles in Wound Healing—a Prospective Overview

Abstract Chronic wounds continue to pose severe threats to public health and the global economy. This is because the healing process is hindered by several factors, such as bacterial infections, comorbid conditions, age, and lifestyle. Medical wound therapy is currently based on long-term antibiotic use, and its activity has been limited by various factors, including treatment efficacy, toxicity, and increased risk of opportunistic infections. The advent of novel techniques such as nanotechnology can provide sustainable platforms for developing reliable, cost-effective, and innovative wound healing interventions. In this context, plant extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become attractive to the clinical community because of their wide range of biological properties, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. These AgNPs could be used in the development of better dressings for wounds. This review aims to provide readers with recent advances in the application of plant extract-synthesized AgNPs in wound care and management. The article provides a general overview of wounds healing process, the global prevalence of wounds, and the economic impact of chronic wounds. In addition, the limitations of conventional wound treatment strategies and the need for alternative approaches are discussed. Finally, clinical studies that have used plant extract-synthesized AgNPs in wound healing and antimicrobial activities, are highlighted. Graphical Abstract