International Journal of Science and Technology (IJST)

Biodegradable Polymers-Based Scaffolds for Wound Healing and Tissue Engineering

Biodegradable polymers have gained significant attention as innovative materials for producing scaffolds used in wound repair and tissue regeneration. These scaffolds serve as temporary structures that aid cell attachment, multiplication, and specialization, while gradually decomposing into safe byproducts that are naturally absorbed or removed from the body. Natural polymers such as chitosan, collagen, alginate, and hyaluronic acid are valued for their biological activity, whereas synthetic polymers like polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are preferred for their predictable strength, durability, and adjustable degradation profiles. The central focus of scaffold design is to imitate the body’s extracellular matrix (ECM), offering a balance of porosity, bioactivity, and mechanical stability. Advanced fabrication technologies, including electrospinning, freeze-drying, and 3D bioprinting, enable precise control over scaffold architecture. These approaches also make it possible to integrate growth factors, antimicrobial agents, or therapeutic molecules that accelerate wound closure, reduce infections, and encourage the regeneration of functional tissues. Laboratory and animal-based evaluations are necessary to determine cytocompatibility, structural integrity, and degradation rates. With continuous progress in biomaterials and fabrication methods, biodegradable polymer scaffolds are emerging as vital tools for regenerative medicine. They not only enhance wound healing but also contribute to developing patient-specific solutions in tissue engineering and precision healthcare.