Berberine-based strategies: novel delivery systems bring out new potential for wound healing

Abstract Wound healing is a highly regulated biological process that restores tissue integrity following injury, while it could be disrupted in specific conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and bacterial infection, leading to delayed healing and serious complications. Berberine (BBR) is a pivotal naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple pharmacological activities, especially anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, anti-oxidative stress, which are beneficial for wound healing. Recently, various novel carrier materials such as hydrogel scaffold, nanofiber membrane, and nanoparticles with specific pH, temperature, glucose, ROS, near infrared light responsive and controlled release properties have been utilized as carries to improve the bioactive and bioavailability of BBR that bring out promising therapeutic effect on acute wound, diabetic wound, infected wound, and burned wound. In this review, the design, synthesis, and application of novel delivery systems loaded/based with BBR were summarized based on the characteristics of these smart materials. Remarkably, the action of BBR delivery systems on wound healing are highlighted, with the aim of promoting the development of innovative materials for drug delivery in wound healing, particularly under chronic conditions in clinic. Graphical Abstract