This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of wound healing, from its biological foundations to the most advanced therapeutic frontiers. Written by internationally recognized experts, it covers the history, anatomy, histology, and pathophysiology of wound repair, alongside clinical assessment tools and evidence-based multidisciplinary strategies for hard-to-heal wounds. The chapters explore cellular and molecular mechanisms, the role of growth factors, cytokines, and the immune system, as well as preclinical models and translational approaches. A significant focus is given to innovative regenerative strategies, including the use of extracellular vesicles, stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, and bone marrow-derived cells, alongside novel biomaterials, skin substitutes, and advanced wound dressings. Specialized sections address chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, burns, and scar management, as well as emerging topics like bioengineering, nanotechnology, AI, and personalized medicine in wound care. This volume aims to equip practitioners, researchers, and students with the scientific knowledge and practical insights needed to select and apply strategies that optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes, reduce complications, and accelerate healing through safe, cutting-edge, and minimally invasive approaches.

Includes fundamental information about the management of difficult wounds Describes all the new technologies, including stem cell therapy, cellular therapy, and gene therapy Details various methodologies for repairing acute wounds to achieve optimal functional and cosmetic results

Autorentext

Dr. Francesco De Francesco, MD, PhD is a reconstructive plastic and hand surgeon at the Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, Marche University Hospital in Ancona, Italy. He earned his PhD in Molecular Medicine, focusing on regenerative medicine applications in plastic and hand surgery. Dr. De Francesco has extensive expertise in microsurgery, complex wound reconstruction, breast reconstruction, and advanced regenerative therapies, with particular experience in regenerative medicine for chronic wound healing, peripheral nerve regeneration, osteoarthritis, and post-oncologic breast reconstruction. He serves as Section Editor for Hand Surgery and Research in the journal Surgeries (MDPI). He is actively involved in national and international research projects, including multicentric clinical trials on tissue engineering and stem cell-based therapies. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers, and has been invited as a speaker at international congresses. His research interests include wound healing, adipose-derived stem cells, extracellular vesicles, autologous tissue engineering, and minimally invasive reconstructive techniques.

Dr. Kursad Turksen was a Senior Scientist, Regenerative Medicine Program, OHRI (Retired). He is the series editor of the book series Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.

Inhalt

1. The History of wound care.- 2. Anatomy, histology and embryonic development of the skin.- 3. Pathophysiology of Wound Healing.- 4. Clinical Assessment of Hard- To-Heal Wounds: tools, evidence, and multidisciplinary strategies.- 5. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Wound Healing.- 6. Mitochondrial Orchestration of Wound Healing: From Cellular Energetics to Therapeutic Innovation.- 7. Cutaneous wound epithelialization: role of cadherin- and integrin-mediated adhesions.- 8. Cellular activation of surface G-protein coupled receptors as drug targets for skin wound healing.- 9. Growth Factors and Cytokines: Unravelling Molecular Mechanisms for Therapeutic Innovations in Wound Care.- 10. Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Innate Immune Response in Diabetic Foot Ulcer.- 11. Preclinical Models for Wound Healing and Repair Studies.- 12. Preclinical Insights into Wound Healing: Models, Mechanisms, and Translational Strategies.- 13. Extracellular Vesicles as Functional Mediators of Wound Healing.- 14. Stem cells and Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds and Peripheral Vascular Diseases.- 15. The role of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) during wound healing.- 16. The Role of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Accelerating and Refining Wound Healing.- 17. Wound Dressings.- 18. Current Biomaterials and Strategies in Tissue Engineering for Wound Healing.- 19. Biomaterials as Skin Substitutes.- 20. Innovative Treatments for Accelerated Wound Healing.- 21. Innovative Treatments for Accelerated Wound Healing.- 22. Regenerative Therapy for Burns.- 23. Cultured Epithelial Autografts Based on a Fibrin Matrix System: Optimizing Engraftment in Extensive Burns.- 24. Healing Beyond the surface: Regenerative Strategies in Complex Burn treatment.- 25. Wound healing and Regenerative medicine in Diabetes.- 26. Innovative Frontiers in Wound Healing: Integrating Bioengineering, Nanotechnology, and Regenerative Medicine.- 27. Nanobiology of Cutaneous Wound Healing.- 28. Adjunctive Therapy for Wound Healing.- 29. Nutrition and Wound Healing: Mechanisms and Clinical Integration.- 30. Scar Problems After Wound Healing.- 31. Therapeutic Approaches to Treat Hypertrophic Scars.- 32. AI and Personalized Medicine in Wound Care.