Translational potential of nanoemulsion in wound healing – From discovery to product commercialization

Acute and chronic wound healing has been a subject of continuous intensive investigation among all health problems. Significant advances have been made to develop effective nanoenabled drug delivery systems for wound healing. Compared to conventional and nanoparticulate wound healing therapies, nanoemulsions have been generally considered a superior choice due to higher drug loading capacity, bioavailability, sustained drug release, and better penetration. They are colloidal isotropic systems that are thermodynamically stabilized by emulsifying agents. These nanoscale formulations are considered an effective method for delivering drugs to the target site in an efficient manner. The translational journey of nanoemulsions from laboratory to clinical side involves multiple stages, including preclinical efficacy studies, formulation optimization, regulatory approval, and large-scale manufacturing. Therefore, despite several advantages, challenges emerge from the practical limitations and regulatory gaps. This review highlights the latest developments in nanoemulsion-based wound healing, integration of nanoemulsions with advanced wound care technologies, barriers to clinical translation, and strategies to address the lacuna between research and commercial product development.