Nanocomposite scaffolds and coatings for wound healing and infection control

As already indicated in Chapter 2, Nanomaterials to aid wound healing and infection control, various types of metallic- and nonmetallic nanomaterials can be used to aid the wound healing process and to keep bacterial infections in check. While serving as powerful tools on their own, various types of nanomaterials can unravel their true potential by being embedded inside a variety of scaffolds and coatings, differing both in chemistry and morphologies. Being embedded inside the material or by covering its surface, NMs alter its physicochemical properties and serve as a means for localized controlled release of various bioactive compounds. By employing such strategies, one can obtain highly functional materials, having great potential to enter clinical applications. This chapter is aimed to summarize the current advances in the field of nanocomposite wound dressings, scaffolds, and coatings. These are used as efficient tools to improve the wound healing efficiency as well as inhibit and/or eradicate microbial infections.