From Bees to Bandages: Exploring Honey Nanoparticles for Effective Wound Management

Abstract

Honey nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in recent years for their potential applications in wound management. This article critically evaluates the current literature on honey nanoparticles and their unique properties, such as enhanced stability, bioavailability, and controlled release, while emphasizing the need for more targeted research in this area. The discussion explores honey's effectiveness in promoting wound healing, tissue regeneration, and antimicrobial activity, as well as the development of novel wound care products incorporating honey nanoparticles, like smart wound dressings, hydrogels, or topical ointments. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of comparative studies and exploring synergistic effects with other natural remedies to better understand the potential applications of honey nanoparticles in wound management. Ultimately, this comprehensive review aims to guide future research and clinical applications, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and innovative wound healing strategies.

Keywords

• Honey nanoparticles
• Wound management
• Wound healing
• Antimicrobial activity
• Nanotechnology

References

1. Alvarez-Suarez, J. M., Giampieri, F., Cordero, M., Gasparrini, M., Forbes-Hernández, T. Y., Mazzoni, L., Afrin, S., Beltrán-Ayala, P., González-Paramás, A. M., SantosBuelga, C., Varela-Lopez, A., Quiles, . L., & Battino, M. (2017). Activation of AMPK/Nrf2 signalling by Manuka honey protects human dermal fibroblasts against oxidative damage by improving antioxidant response and mitochondrial function promoting wound healing. Journal of Functional Foods, 36, 84-97.
2. Aumeeruddy-Elalfi, Z., Gurib-Fakim, A., & Mahomoodally, F. (2016). Antimicrobial, antibiotic potentiating activity and phytochemical profile of essential oils from exotic and endemic medicinal plants of Mauritius. Industrial Crops and Products, 71, 197-204.
3. Brown, L. F., & Finnerty, C. C. (2019). Wound healing: An overview. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 144(6), 1418–1428.
4. Bucekova, M., Valachova, I., & Majtan, J. (2018). Honeybee glucose oxidase—its expression in honeybee workers and comparative analyses of its content and H2O2mediated antibacterial activity in natural honeys. Naturwissenschaften, 105(9-10), 63.
5. El-Guendouz, S., Lyoussi, B., Miguel, M. G., & Aazza, S. (2020). Nanotechnology in honey and bee products: A review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 105, 1-10.
6. Fernandes, R., & Medeiros, R. (2021). Cellular and Molecular Basis of Wound Healing. Journal of Wound Care, 30(3), 176–184.
7. Hassan, M., Kjos, M., Nes, I. F., Diep, D. B., & Lotfipour, F. (2020). Natural antimicrobial peptides from bacteria: characteristics and potential applications to fight against antibiotic resistance. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 113(4), 723-736.
8. Leavitt, T., Hu, M. S., & Yates, C. C. (2020). Pathways of acute and chronic wound healing. Advances in Wound Care, 9(7), 390–406.

9. Lu, J., Turnbull, L., Burke, C. M., Liu, M., Carter, D. A., Schlothauer, R. C., Whitchurch, C. B., & Harry, E. J. (2019). Manuka-type honeys can eradicate biofilms produced by Staphylococcus aureus strains with different biofilm-forming abilities. PeerJ, 7, e6479.
10. Lusby, P. E., Coombes, A. L., & Wilkinson, J. M. (2016). Honey: a potent agent for wound healing? Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing, 29(6), 295-300.
11. Mandal, M. D., & Mandal, S. (2015). Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 1(2), 154-160.
12. Oryan, A., Alemzadeh, E., & Moshiri, A. (2018). Biological properties and therapeutic activities of honey in wound healing: A narrative review and meta-analysis. Journal of Tissue Viability, 27(2), 107-118.
13. Ranzato, E., Martinotti, S., & Burlando, B. (2015). Honey exposure stimulates wound repair of human dermal fibroblasts. Burns & Trauma, 3(1), 1-8.
14. Santos, C. A., Almeida, I. F., & Costa, P. C. (2017). Smart wound dressings for diabetic chronic wounds. Bioengineering, 5(3), 51.
15. Ventola, C. L. (2015). The antibiotic resistance crisis: part 1: causes and threats. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 40(4), 277-283.
16. Widodo, M., Rahmawati, N., & Suciati, T. (2018). The potential of honey in promoting the healing process and the immunomodulatory effect. Journal of Health Science and Prevention, 2(1), 25-30.